Dec 03, 2014

The cloud has become more of a permanent asset across a variety of organizations as more users acclimate to the technology. While there are still some data protection worries, these issues are largely being solved with business-grade solutions and applications like secure file sharing. As the cloud evolves, decision-makers are realizing its potential and are starting to migrate more of their information to the online platform to maximize company benefits.

Companies have traditionally approached new technology like the cloud with a certain degree of hesitation due to its possible security vulnerabilities. However, research by Unisys and IDG is showing that half of senior IT executives are moving their applications to the clouddespite the known risks. In fact, although 70 percent of respondents noted that protection measures were still the biggest deterrent for cloud deployments, the benefits of the cloud are starting to outweigh possible dangers. The cloud can offer substantial advantages like cost savings and constant access to important business resources. In addition, the technology also empowers remote workers by supporting mobile file sharing and a range of mobile hardware. By reinforcing these elements, the cloud has emerged as a necessary asset for many organizations.

“Security concerns are not stopping CIOs from making use of the cloud to reduce costs and increase their organizational agility,” Unisys vice president Colin Lacey said. “These results show that senior IT leaders are taking a pragmatic, measured approach to cloud adoption, making use of secure private cloud and as-a-service delivery models to ensure secure, consistent delivery of IT services to their employees and customers.”

Cloud breaking down information barriers
With many companies, employees are divided into various departments, fostering an environment of data silos. This type of situation prevents an overall picture of the business, making it easier for redundancies to happen in the system. Data Center Knowledge contributor Jeetu Patel noted that the cloud would utilize the organization’s existing file systems to directly copy the files and directories to the online environment. This would ensure that users know where to find their documents and support more opportunities for collaboration. The cloud will break down existing silos to promote better productivity and guarantee that users have all of the information on hand while eliminating the chance for repetition.

“Breaking down information silos to create a streamlined way for users to interact with their files and get their work done when and where they want is the only way to allow productivity for the evolving workforce,” Patel wrote. “And in the end, it all comes down to how we can be most productive in our work, in the office and everywhere else.”