A new study has shown that the number of businesses not planning to utilise cloud computing is on the rise. Easynet Connect's report shows that the current economic climate is putting businesses off of changing to a virtualised environment, despite the cloud's benefit to SMEs.

A third of the 251 businesses interviewed for the study said they have no plans to virtualise, up 7 per cent from last year's figures. A lack of money and the need to protect existing IT investments have been cited as key reasons for not using the cloud.

"The challenging economy shows no sign of abating therefore it’s critical that businesses are proactively leveraging technology to make sure that they are as efficient as possible," said Andy Horn, Easynet's General Manager.

Horn also said the cloud's an optimal way to boost efficiency in smaller businesses.

"The cloud can really help here. The gap in attitudes that we’ve identified is in itself is worrying, however the low levels of planning - especially around the internet connectivity that SMEs will need in the cloud - highlights the need for specialist advice and high quality solutions based on the latest fibre technology."

However, less than half of the businesses interviewed had plans in place for transferring over to a virtualised IT infrastructure. Even fewer organisations said they would be developing their business continuity or increasing internet bandwidth as part of a virtualisation strategy.

Easynet believes that this lack of forward planning by businesses provides an opportunity for cloud service providers and resellers to assist SME customers in making the switch.

Written by Chris Tate
 

Lack of awareness affecting cloud computing uptake