Cloud-Based App Development Tools

TheInfoPro, a division of The 451 Group, has released the results of a cloud computing services study. Fifty-two percent of the cloud decision-makers interviewed were of the view that internal change and learning were the main stumbling blocks to cloud adoption. This according to the analyst company brings to light a "pent up demand " for cloud advisory services as consumers are confused by the rapid changes that are brought about by cloud adoption. Other cloud roadblocks included up-front cost (15%) and security (13%). This confusion with regard to cloud computing is magnified when users are faced with changing their whole approach to infrastructure and software application development process as opposed to merely making use of familiar software on a SAAS on-demand model. Cost reduction was named by 68 percent of the study respondents as the leading reason for cloud implementation, followed by increased flexibility/scalability (24 percent) and reduced complexity (21 percent). But the anticipated complexity reduction might not translate to reality without adequate planning and education in terms of proper integration of different cloud deployments.

The cloud ignorance is further highlighted in a recent study from The NPD Group which states that just 22 percent of U.S. consumers are familiar with the term "cloud computing," even though the activities that constitute cloud computing are being performed by the vast majority of consumers. Even traditional IT outsourcing companies are struggling with cloud computing, according to KPMG Sourcing Advisory. The IT service providers and advisors surveyed rated IT executive customers' facility with various aspects of cloud computing. The IT executives were able to garner only very low scores from their providers and advisors especially when it came to managing and governing cloud initiatives.

There are a few organizations that have been formed to enable consumers to make more informed decisions. One such is the TechAmerica's Commission on the Leadership Opportunity in U.S. Deployment of the Cloud (CLOUD2) that was established to provide the Obama Administration with recommendations for cloud deployments and for public policies to drive cloud innovation.The TechAmerica's report predicts that tight budgets will dictate the migration to cloud environments from traditional IT deployments . It acknowledges the existence of obstacles due to legacy environments steeped in cultural and process biases. But the agency concludes that the speed with which cloud adoption occurs is directly related to leadership abilities in overcoming these obstacles. The Commission's Cloud Buyers Guide for Government developed to assist government agencies can also help the private sectors as they evaluate and purchase cloud services and solutions.

These cloud impediments do not detract from the immense market opportunity. In fact despite cloud ignorance in key areas, IT service providers in the KPMG survey were optimistic about buyer consumption of cloud-based solutions. Forty-two percent of service providers polled stated that their clients currently have one or more live cloud services deployments and expect the cloud engagements to increase to 66 percent in the next year. But the need for better awareness certainly comes into focus as it influences consumers to make educated decisions about cloud strategies for a more profitable implementation.

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