20 Oct 2008

Cloud computing 'the future'

Businesses will adopt cloud computing in increasing numbers because of the money-saving opportunities offered by the technology, an expert has predicted.

Oliver Marks, an IT expert writing in his blog at ZDNet, argued that cloud hosting and software-as-a-service (SaaS) technologies could make some current, more expensive hosted IT systems obsolete.

Economic volatility caused by the credit crunch and the resultant pressures on business' IT budgets make cloud computing and its potential cost-savings an attractive proposition for the future, Mr Marks said.

Cloud computing is a major technology shift with the potential to create a new business IT ecosystem, stated the Cloud Summit Executive 2008 website.

The summit event took place in Silicon Valley, California, earlier this month, with experts debating the future of IT technology.

Mr Marks, who attended the event, added: "Cloud hosting and associated SaaS apps are arguably in a stronger position than ever, based on their ability to deliver a scalable subscription-based service that is a better fit for budgets."