71 percent of experts think cloud computing will be commonplace in 2020

Monday, June 14, 2010

A recent survey of nearly 900 internet and tech experts, conducted by the Pew Research Center, a U.S.-based think tank, found interesting results regarding cloud computing and direction the managed network service will take in the future. Of the respondents, 71 percent believe the majority of computer users will be utilizing cloud-based applications instead of software installed directly onto a system by 2020.

Currently, computer users are increasingly using cloud-based applications for both business and pleasure, with the growth of services provided by Facebook, Google Docs and Yahoo mail. Operating in the cloud allows users to access information from almost any system - especially smartphone with the rise of mobile management units - regardless of device, operating system or location.

The majority of experts that believe in the increased use of cloud computing don't see the move as a death sentence for desktop use, however. Many believe in 2020 that a hybrid between the two will be prevalent.

Pew Research Center's report appears to be gaining support with recent data. According to a GovTech report, 45 percent of local governments are currently employing cloud computing services.