Two-thirds of mid-sized firms looking to increase cloud computing use in 2011, survey says - Managed Hosting News from Hostway

Around two-third of mid-sized businesses will look to increase their use of cloud computing over the next year, according to a new survey.

Technology firm IBM found that over half of the 2,000 companies questioned will see their IT budgets increase over the next 12 to 18 months, with many looking at cloud computing and virtualisation.

Furthermore, 62 per cent of those questioned said that customer relationship management will be among their most critical IT priorities as many firms try and get the most out of every customer.

Andy Monshaw, general manager for IBM Midmarket, said that the figures reflect a positive outlook for the industry as they look to "advance their role as engines of economic growth".

"When we spoke to midsize firms 18 months ago, most were focused on reducing costs and improving efficiencies," he added.

"Today, the conversation is also about expanding their business, connecting with customers and gaining greater insights."

Two journalists, writing for the Huffington Post, said earlier this week that cloud computing "dramatically decreases" costs for businesses.

via hostway.co.uk