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Backup and Storage

Majority of employees ‘want cloud computing’

Three-fifths of workers would be happy to see their software transferred to the cloud.

Electronic document storage could become more popular among businesses if managers listen to their employees’ wishes, new research suggests.

A poll carried out by Virgin Media Business found 62 per cent of workers would like to see the software they use at work transferred to the cloud, which has the advantages of allowing for remote working and improved electronic storage for documents and files.

The findings revealed that public sector staff are most keen to implement cloud computing, with 61 per cent in favour of moving to the new technology.

Tony Grace, chief operating officer at Virgin Media Business, commented: "This should come as no surprise given the benefits that can be gained through cloud technology such as only paying for what you use rather than having to build your infrastructure to cope with peak demand."

He predicted that 2012 will be the year that cloud computing will "take off", with the government "ramping up" its G-Cloud initiative.

"However, the old uncertainties about cloud computing remain. A third of companies told us they are still worried about data management and 28 per cent admitted they had concerns about security. The fact is the biggest issue about accessing and using the cloud to its maximum is ensuring you have a secure and reliable connection."

Meanwhile, the government has announced it has chosen Virtual Internet to deliver infrastructure-as-a-service technologies to public sector organisations as part of G-Cloud.

Managing director of the company Patrick McCarthy said the G-Cloud programme is "testament to the importance of cloud-based technologies and the departure from the old on-premise hardware model".

Virtual Internet will be offering public cloud hosting, private cloud hosting, hybrid cloud hosting and content delivery network services for purchase through the government’s CloudStore.

"This marks a new era in IT for government," added Mr McCarthy.