IT workers in a fog about cloud computing

Cloud computing has a ways to go before IT executives embrace it wholeheartedly, according to a new survey. The survey, by Proofpoint, an SaaS email provider, found that half of IT professionals polled cannot define cloud computing and many remain confused about the security and cost-saving issues it raises.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents said they were confused by the term and its many different definitions. Nearly one-third thought it was more hype than substance. About half thought sensitive data handed over to a cloud-based provider would be at a higher risk of being compromised.

"There's still significant fear, uncertainty and doubt surrounding data security and financial payback issues," said Proofpoint chief executive Gary Steele.

With this kind of confusion over the simplest issue--the definition--we wonder how long it will take for the private sector to understand cloud computing and jump aboard.

For more on cloud computing:
- see this CIOtoday.com article

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