Johannesburg, 30 Sep 2014
Data security and trust in cloud-based services are a rapidly growing concern for IT decision-makers within large organisations, according to a new global study from BT.
While 54% of those surveyed in South Africa are adopting cloud storage and Web applications within their business, their confidence around cloud security is at an all-time low.
Yet despite this, 44% say they have adopted mass market 'consumer' services, rather than those designed specifically for the enterprise.
The new study explores the attitudes to, and use of, cloud-based services of IT decision-makers from enterprise organisations in 11 countries and regions around the world
It reveals that almost three-quarters of IT decision-makers (72%) in South Africa say security is their main concern about using cloud-based services. Half of respondents (52%) admit they are 'very or extremely anxious' about the security implications of these services. This is a substantial increase of 10% from previous research in 2012.
On opting for consumer solutions over cloud offerings tailored to the enterprise, half of respondents (50%) in South Africa have the impression that enterprise cloud applications and services are too expensive, and 46% hold the belief that mass market public cloud applications and services are as effective as using those designed specifically for enterprise users.
Sixty-six percent of IT decision-makers in SA say trusting a third party is also a concern. Thirty-four percent of respondents in SA have the impression that all cloud services are inherently insecure, and 11% of those surveyed said they had experienced a data breach incident where their cloud service provider was partly at fault.
Mark Hughes, president of BT Security, said: "The adoption of cloud services has increased rapidly across the globe. Organisations are looking to reap the numerous benefits - such as scalability, fast deployment and ubiquitous network access - these services can offer. It is an interesting paradox that the survey has exposed - on the one hand, decision-makers are concerned about the security implications of using public cloud services, but on the other, their buying decisions seem to be driven by short-term cost perceptions. We invite these decision-makers to also weigh up the reputational cost and impact on their brand of a cloud security breach. Enterprise cloud applications and services are designed to help businesses realise the possibilities in the cloud while substantially decreasing risk. For example, our own BT Cloud Compute portfolio can provide security around cloud storage, while our BT Assure portfolio brings powerful cloud-based security and risk management to the network. This can end up providing very substantial savings.
"I would suggest organisations undertake a thorough risk analysis before opting for mass market cloud services. Every organisation has a different appetite for risk and these need to be factored into the decision buying equation. Our security specialists can help them make the right assessment for the optimal solution to limit their risks, and deliver a great performance, whatever their needs may be."
For further information: Enquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its 24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK, dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All news releases can be accessed at BT's Web site: http://www.btplc.com/News.
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