15 Dec 2008

Business to be 'transformed by the cloud'

An industry expert has claimed that cloud computing is an "unstoppable trend" which will transform the business world.

Following a recent podcast with IT industry officials, Interarbor Solutions principal analyst Dana Gardner suggested that firms will use the cloud as they look for new solutions and tools for their expanding business needs.

Mr Gardner noted that enterprises are looking to get into new markets and are thinking about improved communications tools and social software.

He said the cloud provides firms with a model for constructing software in the form of a "design pattern".

Businesses can also use the cloud to pay for software as and when they need it, which means they can reduce their costs, Mr Gardner continued.

"Why is it unstoppable? Because we're watching a business shift, people have to find ways to compete better in the market," he added.

Microsoft, which launched its cloud-based Azure operating system in October, purchased some 10,000 new servers each month as part of its expansion into cloud computing during 2008.