Cloud Networking Services gaining mindshare among SMBs

Spiceworks has announced the results of a new survey analysing the familiarity and use of cloud networking technologies by small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). The study, “The Cloudification of the Network” revealed that despite security, control and uptime concerns, more than 40 per cent of IT respondents are currently using or plan to use cloud networking services in the next 12 months. The independent study is sponsored by Pertino, a provider of cloud-based networking solutions.

SMBs are adopting cloud networking services to support a range of requirements including content filtering, DNS, remote access and security. These solutions can help IT professionals reduce routine management tasks and improve performance, all while simplifying their IT environment and providing access to important information from anywhere. While the adoption of cloud-based networking trails overall cloud service usage, high levels of familiarity with networking services bode well for vendors looking to develop the latest offerings.

“While cloud servers and storage get most of the attention, cloud networking services are emerging as viable solutions for IT professionals,” said Kathryn Pribish, Voice of IT program manager at Spiceworks. “IT professionals are clear on the benefits and challenges associated with the latest services as well as the features and functionality that matter to them. Vendors who address perceived challenges have a unique opportunity to capitalise on this growing space.”

Survey highlights include:

The majority of IT professionals are familiar with cloud networking services
• Seventy-two per cent of IT professionals surveyed are familiar with cloud networking services, but 45 per cent say they are currently using or plan to use cloud networking services in the next year.
• Content filtering, DNS and VPN/remote access services are the most widely used cloud networking services today. Of those who have deployed a cloud networking offering, content filtering is being used by 33 per cent, DNS by 28 per cent, and VPN/remote access services by 22 per cent.

IT professionals are clear on the features that matter most and factors they weigh when purchasing cloud networking solutions
• When asked which cloud networking features were “very or extremely important,” IT professionals currently using or planning to use a cloud networking solution overwhelming selected five key attributes – security, administrative tools, redundancy/availability, performance, and ease of setup and maintenance. Ninety-four per cent of respondents said security was important to them.
• Cost and billing options, data protection and security, and feature set were rated as the primary factors weighed during the vendor selection process by IT professionals currently using or planning to use a cloud networking solution. Eighty-seven per cent said cost and billing options were the most important to them, followed by data protection and security at 70 per cent and feature set at 67 per cent.

IT buyers are actively weighing the benefits and challenges associated with cloud networking solutions
• Sixty-eight per cent of IT professionals currently using or planning to use a cloud networking solution said easier maintenance and management was the primary reason. Additionally, 58 and 51 per cent of respondents said accessibility and disaster recovery were important reasons to use a cloud networking service.
• For those who have not deployed a cloud networking solution, 61 per cent cited security issues, 53 per cent cited lack of control as a barrier to adoption, and 42 per cent were concerned about service outages.

“A new reality is settling in on IT organisations, especially SMBs: employees are more productive when they are allowed to work when, where and on the devices they want. This represents new challenge to IT professionals and dramatically changes the traditional business network landscape,” said Todd Krautkremer, Pertino’s VP of marketing. “However, the future of networking is looking up -- into the cloud –- where it’s possible to deliver an anywhere, anytime and any device network while maintaining the security, visibility and control businesses demand.”