Access member only content, take part in discussions with comments on blogs, news and reviews and receive all the latest security industry news directly to your inbox. Join now for free.
A confirmation email has been sent to your email address - SUPPLIED EMAIL HERE. Please click on the link in the email to verify your email address. You need to verify your email before you can start posting.
If you do not receive your confirmation email within the next few minutes, it may be because the email has been captured by a junk mail filter. Please ensure you add the domain @scmagazine.com.au to your white-listed senders.
Insight EMEA has closed its London-based IT show activities this spring with a survey of 230 SMB technology decision-makers. Suggesting that infrastructural technologies are the leading areas of focus for SMBs today, 47 percent of respondents cited storage, server systems, back-up and disaster recovery as the technology areas of most importance and concern to them.
The Insight Technology Show was held last month in Old Billingsgate for the eighth year running. Insight claimed this year’s focus on infrastructure technologies corresponded with interest in the event’s 'Cloud Technology' sessions, which received the highest SMB attendance across more than 20 keynotes and breakout sessions.
“Cloud technologies in particular have really captured the attention of [SMBs] as the cost and feature benefits cloud services provide are significant for all sized businesses,” said Paul Bolt, marketing and partner management director at Insight UK.
Bolt’s comments come at the same time as Gartner’s evaluation of the cloud computing service revenue market for 2010. The analyst firm has estimated a significant figure of $US68 billion ($A64.5 billion) globally. However, not all analysts are convinced cloud computing is being viewed for what it is.
“Attendees at these shows are the ones who have the most technical knowledge, so is it surprising that they will pick on the stuff that they are responsible for when it comes to being questioned?” said Clive Longbottom, service director at IT analyst house Quocirca.
“If you speak to those responsible for the running of an SMB at the business level, IT is a pain – and that’s why cloud has gained traction here.”
He added: “If these companies can get rid of the platform itself and just use the function, then that is fine and dandy with them. What they want is something that helps the business run, so if it’s a skateboarding whippet, they’ll go for it.”
Insight’s SMB survey respondents also ranked mobility technologies as a key area of concern (22 per cent), along with security and networking (13 percent) and software licences (10 percent).
This article originally appeared at itpro.co.uk
To begin commenting right away, you can log in below or register an account if you don't yet have one. Please read our guidelines on commenting. Offending posts will be removed and your access may be suspended. Abusive or obscene language will not be tolerated. The comments below do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SC Magazine, Haymarket Media or its employees.