Gartner publishes list of trends that could impact cloud uptake

Gartner publishes list of trends that could impact cloud uptake

Cloud strategies between today and 2015 will be influenced by a number of trends, according to Gartner, which has published a list of these factors.

Gartner also asserted that the emergence of cloud computing will cause a major change in the use of IT. The analyst’s vice president, David Cearley, said, "Cloud computing is a major technology trend that has permeated the market over the last two years.”

"Cloud computing has a significant potential impact on every aspect of IT and how users access applications, information and business services.”

In order to help firms keep track of the new technologies, Gartner has published a number of sub-trends that will influence the take-up of the technology. Firstly he explained that businesses should establish how they would use cloud technologies and what they would gain from them before investing in them.

The report then added that combining a mix of on-premise data and data kept in external data centre (known as hybrid cloud) is essential. The report suggests: "Gartner recommends that enterprises focus near-term efforts on application and data integration, linking fixed internal and external applications with a hybrid solution."

Gartner goes on to predict an increase in cloud service brokerage, which will involve a middle-man brokering deals between firms and cloud providers. It recommends that IT departments can become brokers themselves to try to avoid paying extra or losing an element of control.

The study concludes by urging firms to adopt cloud-centric designs to ensure they can migrate their current applications to the cloud. It explains, "To fully exploit the potential of a cloud model, applications need to be designed with the unique characteristics, limitations and opportunities of a cloud model in mind.”

Businesses looking to move services into the cloud, should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.