UK firms embrace cloud computing

UK firms are embracing cloud computing, with two out of three using the technology, according to a new study.

Citrix surveyed IT managers and directors at its solutions seminar in September and found that, of those who had deployed cloud computing, 22 per cent were using it across their business, 17 per cent in specific departments while 30 per cent have started investing in it.

Despite its popularity, there were some reservations, with 87 per cent reporting concern about risks involved with the technology.

A third of these were security-related, with 22 per cent concerned about a possible lack of control of data.

"Cloud computing has the potential to deliver a wide range of applications and data to the distributed workforce at low cost, and it is clear organisations already see the benefits," said Chris Mayers, Citrix UK's chief security architect.

But he added that the data issue was an important one, likening the scenario to depositing money in a bank.

"You need to be able to get that data back when you need it, and be confident the provider is safeguarding your data, since you remain responsible for its security," he said.