Small firms missing out on cloud benefits, survey finds
Small firms missing out on cloud benefits, survey finds
Whilst the majority of small firms are not taking advantage of cloud technology, those that have done are reporting revenue increases.
According to new research carried out by business software provider MYOB, 79 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises are not making use of the cloud.
The new technology - which allows unrivalled access to shared applications and programmes via the World Wide Web – has taken the IT industry by storm and is being utilised by many major firms.
The MYOB study – which questioned over 1,000 small firms about their IT structure – also found that, of those that were using the cloud, 53 per cent of them had reported seeing a rise in their revenue over the past year.
MYOB chief executive, Tim Reed, told the Herald Sun, “The advantages of using cloud computing for business came through loud and clear.
“The power of the cloud provides the freedom to work anywhere at any time, to be with your customers, partners and suppliers while still enjoying a connection to the office,” Mr Reed went on to say.
Of those small businesses making use of the cloud, 42 per cent reported that it allowed them to access information from any location they chose, ensuring far more flexibility in the workplace.
Twenty-eight per cent also said that the cloud allowed their staff members to work remotely if they so chose. A further 25 per cent of respondents to the survey reported that using the cloud meant that IT issues were reduced or resolved more quickly and easily, and they also believed that their confidential data was safer and ‘better protected’ on the cloud’s external servers rather than on in-house servers.
Of those that did not use the cloud, many cited a lack of knowledge about it. “Despite the technology industry's best efforts to teach others about the concept of cloud computing, our research shows a disconnect between SME cloud usage and their understanding of it. I question whether we need to rethink our educational direction when encouraging their move to the cloud,” Mr Reed concluded.
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