Survey: Canadian executives see cloud computing as important to their
company's success

CA Technologies study also finds 62 per cent of business executives and 23 per cent IT executives need a better understanding of cloud computing

Use of public cloud higher in Quebec than other provinces

TORONTO, Dec. 2 /CNW/ - A new survey reveals that 62 per cent of Canadian business executives and 23 per cent of IT executives admit to being confused by the concept of cloud computing. Among those knowledgeable about their company's cloud computing usage, 64 per cent consider it important to their future success, emphasizing the need for more education on this topic.

The survey, conducted in Canada by Leger Marketing on behalf of CA Technologies, focused on IT and business executives' knowledge about their organization's use of cloud computing, and their perceptions of and behaviour around cloud computing. According to respondents, cloud computing is anything but "just hype" (only seven per cent say it is hype).

Meanwhile, 23 per cent of those surveyed are using the public cloud, while 36 per cent are using a private cloud. In addition, the survey revealed 33 per cent of those surveyed believe that Canada is lagging behind other developed countries when it comes to adopting cloud computing.

"While we may currently lag behind other countries, there are mounting efforts to position Canada as the ideal home for cloud computing," said Michael Geist, academic and law professor at the University of Ottawa. "Canada is well positioned to become a cloud computing leader. We already have much of the technical and privacy infrastructure in place, we are in close proximity to the U.S. and our privacy legislation meets international standards."

The data also reveals other interesting trends, key benefits, concerns and barriers, and support relating to the state of cloud computing in Canada in the following areas:

Key benefits of cloud computing:

Survey respondents were asked to identify the main benefits for public and private cloud:

• The top benefits noted for public cloud adoption were: cost savings, efficient use of resources, and flexibility/scalability. Executive respondents whose organizations are currently evaluating the use of public cloud say cost savings (65 percent) and flexibility/scalability (58 percent) are the primary motivators.
• The key benefits listed for private cloud adoption were: cost savings (38 percent), followed by security (32 percent), and accessibility by users (28 percent).

Top concerns and barriers to cloud computing:

When asked about top concerns and barriers to implementing cloud computing in their IT environments, responses differed:

• Business executives may underestimate an IT professional's concerns regarding privacy issues or poor service from a cloud provider. More than 40 per cent of IT professionals said privacy and lackluster service providers are a top concern (44 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively), while 30 per cent of business executives believe this to be the case (35 per cent and 30 percent, respectively).
• Security and the U.S. Patriot Act are listed as IT executives' top concerns for moving to the public cloud (68 per cent), while fewer business executives (58 per cent) recognize this concern.

Biggest Supporters and opponents of cloud computing in an organization:

• Senior business leaders emerged as the biggest supporters of cloud adoption; 40 per cent of respondents listed the CEO, president or owner, or senior business leaders and managers as the biggest supporters.
• Not surprisingly, executives say the security/privacy team is most likely to be opposed to adopting cloud computing (27 per cent).

Public cloud vs. private cloud:

• In terms of current use of cloud, 36 per cent of IT professionals and business executives say their company is currently using private cloud, while 23 per cent are using public cloud. There appears to be a greater interest in private verses public cloud computing. Nearly 40 per cent saying their company is aware of the public cloud but have no plans to consider using it, versus 26 per cent who say the same about private cloud.
• Current use of public cloud is more common in Quebec than in Ontario or Alberta (30 per cent, 21 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively).

"Cloud computing is still in its early stages in Canada in part due to uncertainty about its bottom-line benefits to business," says Jimmy Fulton, vice-president and country manager, CA Technologies Canada. "Canadian executives need to understand and embrace cloud computing to gain competitive advantage. CA Technologies helps organizations navigate through the cloud confusion to run their business with greater agility, increased flexibility and added control."

About the survey

The online survey was conducted for CA Technologies by Leger Marketing, between September 27 and October 14, 2010, with a representative sample of 525 Canadian IT professionals and business executives knowledgeable about their company's use of cloud services. This method simulates a probability sample which would yield a maximum margin of error of +/-4.3%, 19 times out of 20.

CA Technologies and Leger Marketing are business partners and as part of this relationship, Leger Marketing will be contracted to perform research analysis. Leger Marketing was paid a fee by CA Technologies to conduct the survey.

About CA Technologies

CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) is an IT management software and solutions company with expertise across all IT environments - from mainframe and distributed, to virtual and cloud. CA Technologies manages and secures IT environments and enables customers to deliver more flexible IT services. CA Technologies' innovative products and services provide the insight and control essential for IT organizations to power business agility. The majority of the Global Fortune 500 relies on CA Technologies to manage evolving IT ecosystems. For additional information, visit CA Technologies at www.ca.com.

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For further information:

Media Contacts:
Kelley Schultz
CA Technologies
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Elisabeth Napolano/Amy Clark
Environics Communications for CA Technologies Canada
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