16 Oct 2008

SMB demand for cloud hosting

Just under half of the UK's smaller businesses are planning to turn to cloud computing during the next five years, a survey has found.

Some 47 per cent of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are considering cloud hosting technology because of its potential cost savings and improved internet security, according to research by internet access supplier Easynet Connect.

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology was also a serious consideration among many of the 270 SMBs interviewed in the study, the firm said.

Opportunities provided by cloud hosting for increased remote and flexible working were the business benefits that have most attracted 34 per cent of firms to the technology, while 35.2 per cent cited cost savings.

Chris Stening, managing director for Easynet Connect, said: “Clearly SMBs are eager to embrace the many advantages that cloud computing and SaaS offers them."

Technology portal eWeek.com recently reported that SaaS technology can be used as part of a range of cost-cutting applications that can help companies during times of economic volatility.