Cloud computing "top technology priority" in 2011

Cloud computing, which can include the deployment of VoIP solutions, is likely to be the "the top technology priority" for a number of UK firms in 2011, it has been claimed.

Nathan Marke, chief technology officer at 2e2, described it as "no surprise" that cloud models are increasing in popularity.

He argued that costs pressures, on top of IT departments struggling to cope with peaks and troughs in demand, have led to a surge in deployments of this kind.

"Organisations are realising that by using cloud computing models they can gain more flexibility in their cost and skills base, whilst also achieving the scalability for growth, at less cost and with greater flexibility than traditional IT models," the expert explained.

Mr Marke went on to state that the biggest challenge companies now face is deciding which cloud computing model to choose and how to integrate multiple services into a unified structure.

According to the latest figures from the International Data Corporation, the cloud systems management software market worldwide will grow powerfully over the next few years, reaching $2.5 billion (£1.5 billion) by 2015.