Navigating Through the Fog: Maintaining Grounded Decisions
The world of cloud technology continues to evolve, and the UK is no exception. A study conducted by the University of Greenwich has shed light on the adoption trends of cloud services among businesses in the country.
One of the key findings is that the majority of users (67%) prefer to resolve issues through support tickets, while a significant number (75%) still favour phone support. This preference for structured communication channels suggests a desire for clear and efficient resolution processes.
When it comes to adopting cloud services, cost savings and flexibility are top drivers. According to the same research, cost savings and cost reduction are significant factors, while flexibility and scalability are the most common motivators, according to a recent study by data centre specialist 4D. However, concerns around security and losing control of systems, data, and infrastructure are the most common barriers to buying cloud services.
The study also revealed that fewer than one in four firms have adopted cloud technology for business systems, and less than a third (31%) use it for customer relationship management. This suggests that while cost savings and flexibility are attractive, businesses are cautious about moving sensitive operations to the cloud.
Another concern for businesses is compliance with national regulations. Ensuring data stays within country borders is crucial to meet legal requirements, and selecting a supplier who can meet tech support requirements, day or night, 365 days a year, is essential. A local cloud provider offers optimal connectivity speeds due to geographic proximity, and selecting a good quality local provider that offers support and access to virtual servers and data provides peace of mind.
However, potential issues with national regulators could arise from cost savings with foreign cloud providers. Therefore, it's important to be clear about where services are being used and where data resides to avoid any complications.
Lastly, migration complexity, potential downtime during the transition, lack of internal expertise, concerns about data security and compliance, the need for retraining staff, and the risk of rising cloud costs if usage is not managed effectively are some of the reasons why some companies in the UK are hesitant to migrate business systems, accounting, and customer relations to the cloud. Considering a partner who can help with migration at your own speed is important for achieving peace of mind around cloud technology.
In conclusion, while the benefits of cloud technology are clear, businesses in the UK are being cautious about adopting it, particularly when it comes to sensitive operations. Ensuring compliance with national regulations, maintaining control over systems and data, and selecting the right cloud provider are key considerations for businesses looking to adopt cloud technology.
