SMBs Using the Cloud Achieve Higher Levels of Security, Spend Less

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) using cloud based computing services achieve higher levels of security, spend less money and waste less time than their counterparts not using the cloud, according to a study by Microsoft?s Trustworthy Computing division.

Key Takeaways Include:

• Data security is the number 1 barrier for businesses adopting cloud services.
• Cloud computing services save 26 percent of IT budget for SMBs.
• Cloud computing services reduce security management time by 18 hours a week for SMBs.

Cloud Based Computing is More Secure

The results of the study are focused on security as small to medium-sized businesses identified data security as the number 1 barrier to adoption of cloud computing.

Interestingly enough, of the businesses surveyed that are already using the cloud for their technology needs, 35% have experienced higher levels of security and 32% spend less time worrying about the threat of cyberattacks.

?There?s a perception that security is a barrier to cloud adoption,? said Adrienne Hall, general manager, Microsoft Trustworthy Computing. ?Yet when companies embrace and invest in cloud services, they find the benefits far outweigh previous concerns.?

Cloud Based Computing Reduces IT Management

U.S. SMBs surveyed spent 32% less time managing their security than companies not using the cloud and 34% felt more comfortable in their company?s regulatory compliance.

Conversely, cloud computing convenience and less time managing IT seems to have created a feeling of invincibility and no responsibility for the business as 41% felt that their cloud computing partner was solely responsible for information security.

Cloud Based Computing Lowers IT Costs

In the end, it all comes down to money as the study shows that IT cost savings are seen as the number 1 benefit of cloud computing services. ?Businesses surveyed attribute the cost savings to fewer internal IT resources, less time training new IT staff and the ability to increase or decrease IT capacity as needed.

Cloud Based Computing Fosters Innovation and Business Growth

The top benefit of cloud computing is the impact it has on fostering innovation and business growth. ?The SMBs surveyed indicated that they are using cost and time savings to?scale their business to explore new?markets,?employ more staff in roles that directly benefit sales or?growth and?invest in product development or innovation.

Some of the?reasons SMBs provided for their adoption of cloud services:

??we had limited internal resources and felt that the cloud would allow us to reduce admin
headaches, allow us to be more responsive and save money.?
? U.S. cloud user in professional services
??they were innovative and would advance our business.?
? U.S. cloud user in retail
?It seemed like a good way to make our business more efficient. Also, we would have a secure
backup.?
? U.S. cloud user in professional services

The study, commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by?comScore, defined SMBs as companies with between 100 and 250 computers in the?U.S., India, Hong Kong, Malaysia and?Singapore. ?The survey respondents were not told of Microsoft?s involvement in the study.

• Data security is the number 1 barrier for businesses adopting cloud services. ?Buffer

• Cloud computing services save 26 percent of IT budget for SMBs. ?Buffer

• Cloud computing services reduce security management time by 18 hours a week for SMBs. ?Buffer

Icebreaker:?Does this study mirror your thoughts for or against cloud based computing? What is your experience using cloud based computing services for your small business?

-To contact the writer on this story: Philip Nowak in Chicago at philip.nowak@firmology.com.

Please?contact us?if you?d like to?submit?a story, advertise on Firmology or get a consulting quote for your small business technology needs.

carl hagelin triple play virginia tech shooting james neal jackie robinson virginia tech emancipation proclamation