Confused about Cloud Computing? You’re In Good Company

More than being simply good alliteration, “cloud computing confusion” is apparently common.
In a recent article published in ARMA’s Information Management Magazine (November/December 2012, page 7), the results of an American survey commissioned by Citrix was cited. 1,000 adults age 18+ were surveyed by Wakefield Research regarding their understanding of cloud computing.
Given that “cloud computing” is a very common term, the results were somewhat surprising:

• 51% of those surveyed believe that stormy weather could interfere with cloud computing (it doesn’t).
• Almost 97% of those surveyed use cloud services (banking, online shopping, social networks), yet 33% believe cloud computing is a thing of the future.
• Approximately 20% of people pretend to understand what the cloud is and how it works. Once the concept was explained to them, 68% reported seeing the economic benefits from using it (lower costs, to stimulate small business growth and increased consumer engagement with businesses).

Common barriers to using the cloud were the cost (interesting that it was cited as both a benefit and a barrier), security and privacy concerns.

​Confusion and misconceptions about new and emerging technologies is not an uncommon phenomenon. It is likely that these survey results would translate similarly in Canada. Accordingly, if you find yourself discussing cloud computing at holiday cocktail parties, it might be wise to have a brief primer on the subject at the ready, or at least an umbrella to protect your data from stormy weather.