Businesses 'must focus on reliability and quality of service

Small companies in the UK have been advised to factor in quality of service and reliability into their cloud computing strategies, as well as focusing on cost.

Andy Horn, general manager at Easynet Connect, explained that businesses in the country, irrespective of size, have yet to fully take on board that if all their data is held in the cloud and they lose their broadband connection, then business will stop.

He recommended revising current connectivity set-ups and upgrading them if required, adding that today's ISPs now offer redundant and fibre connections that can provide companies with a backup if their main supply fails.

"Business continuity - the plans companies make to ensure everything keeps running smoothly - and security remain key considerations," Mr Horn remarked.

According to Ovum, some of the hurdles companies need to overcome when moving to the cloud include enabling sales teams and bringing IT and internal network teams together.