30 Jun 2010

Cloud computing's impact on staff

Many IT staff view cloud computing as a threat, but is it right for them to do so?

Not according to John Soat who claimed that the technology simply facilitates a better way to manage data, but will still need to be administered just like any other form of IT infrastructure, Information Week reports.

A survey published by InformationWeek Analytics showed that 40 per cent of managers are now using cloud services or plan to do so within the next two years.

However, two-thirds of respondents whose firms have already embraced cloud computing said they have seen no cut-back in staff levels since its uptake, therefore quelling any disquiet that cloud computing could lead to job losses.

Elsewhere, Frank Gens, senior vice-president and chief analyst at IDC, recently told Search CIO that there are myriad dangers that are to be avoided when embracing cloud computing services.

He noted that businesses should be aware of the technology's limitations and should not expect it to solve all the IT infrastructure problems of a firm overnight.