27 Nov 2008

Optimise web usage for cloud computing apps, expert says

Smaller businesses which have adopted cloud computing applications to ensure that they maximise the bandwidth capabilities of their internet connections, an expert has said.

Chris Stening, managing director of Easynet Connect, said that a complete ban on non-official internet use at work is not the answer, but a compromise should be reached so a business' cloud applications run at optimum performance levels.

"As a rising number of core business applications become web-based, it is important that personal internet use does not compromise the performance of these applications," he commented.

Easynet Connect's latest research report entitled Soaring across the Regions found that 32 per cent of smaller companies have no policy on personal internet use at work, which could affect businesses using "bandwidth-hungry cloud computing applications".

Almost half (49 per cent) have a formal internet policy that allows staff to access the internet for personal reasons at lunch or breaks from working hours, while 18 per cent have a complete ban on the practice, the study showed.

Research from the European Interactive Advertising Association has revealed that 49 per cent of broadband users across Europe use a wireless internet connection.