Educating you on the benefits and "how to" of integrating cloud computing with your business network.

Cloud computing has been trumpeted for its cost savings and pay-by-the-drink scalability for business – and that hasn’t changed. But in a recent survey IT professionals and business executives, cloud computing’s agility and innovation emerged as key factors as well.

What’s agile about the cloud is the ability is gives business to effectively and quickly (and inexpensively – but that falls under cost saving…) implement applications necessary to manage operations, serve customers, and support the inner-workings of a particular business. And with an accelrating number of computer applications available to business, selecting the best from among recent innovations can be key in a competitive landscape.

That said, the survey also revealed that businesses haven’t necessarily been rushing to the cloud. Many (40% according to the survey conducted by North Bridge Venture Partners) businesses are only now experimenting with a move to the cloud, while another 26% are holding off until the market matures more. “Although there is broad-based support and enthusiasm for cloud computing, we’re still in the very early stages of this significant industry movement,” says Michael Skok, general partner of North Bridge Venture Partners.

Other findings of the survey may give us insight as to why businesses have yet to rush to the cloud. Survey respondents were split on IT manageability of the cloud: 39% said cloud computing will result in a less complex environment and 39% said cloud computing will make for a more complex environment. And only slightly more than half the survey respondents (55%) believe cloud computing has a lower total cost of ownership (TCO), while nearly 1/3 of respondents (31%) expressed ongoing concerns about network security.

Thought your business was late to the party?  Sounds like you might simply be in good company.