Businesses are pressing ahead with their digital transformation plans, despite fears of being hit by a cyber attack or data protection regulations. This is according to a new independent research report from Advanced, which questioned over 500 senior executives in UK organisations about their attitudes to using the cloud as part of their digital transformation plans.

Most organisations surveyed are concerned about security (82%) and data protection (68%) in the cloud but, perhaps surprisingly, 80% of them are not put off from adopting the cloud following recent high-profile cyber attacks such as WannaCry. A third (33%) of organisations admit to being experienced in the cloud and continue to consider it for all new projects, while 37% have recently launched cloud computing projects for the first time.

Although positive, these findings should not negate the common concerns and challenges. The survey also found that businesses want better support if they are to execute their digital transformation plans effectively. Security is the biggest barrier, with 76% saying that governments should do more to protect businesses and their customers from a cyber attack.

Meanwhile, 82% of organisations want to see cloud providers do more to build confidence among those looking to adopt a digital transformation strategy, of which the cloud is fundamental. When asked what they look for in a provider, most say financial stability (69%), data held in a UK location (65%) and local support (58%) – above typical benefits touted by providers including scalability (46%) and the breadth of application offerings (38%).

Jon Wrennall, CTO at Advanced, says: “It’s encouraging to see businesses are undeterred from using the cloud, which is fast becoming the right choice for many to drive efficiencies, innovate and grow. Sadly we are seeing the same concerns around security and data protection reported over and over again. It’s right to be concerned about security; it’s time that all of us as cloud services providers take a reality check.

“As an industry and profession, we all need to proactively give clear guidance on security responsibilities and support organisations in being better protected, ensuring devices and applications are properly patched and secured – those writing the software are clearly best placed to provide this. With General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force next year we also have a duty of care to provide clarity on how data is being stored and secured in the cloud.

“There’s still a job to be done in creating trust in the cloud and helping customers use the cloud in the right way for the digital transformation that’s right for them. Our survey shows most organisations want financially stable providers and prefer those that store data locally and offer local support; this will become even more pertinent as Britain leaves the European Union. They will trust the providers that offer certainty in an uncertain market and those with a vested interest in the UK and the cloud.”

The independent research was carried out following the results of the general election, during week commencing 12th June. Over 500 participants took part in the survey, which was carried out by Techmarketview. The full report can be found here: www.oneadvanced.com/cloud.

Additional quotes:

Tom Thackray, Director of Innovation at CBI, said: “Digital technologies offer businesses the length and breadth of the UK the tools and platforms needed to start, scale and reach a global audience. Technologies like cloud now underpin much of the UK business infrastructure and there is a clear intent from companies to keep up with the pace of change. But with great digital opportunities comes an element of risk – companies must ensure cyber security is a boardroom priority and work closely with suppliers and customers to remain cyber resilient.”

Sue Daley, Head of Cloud, Data, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at techUK, said: “It is good to see that businesses understand the economic and efficiency benefits of cloud computing and confidence continues to grow. However, it is vital that businesses, and consumers, are better informed around the security of cloud services. Cloud computing can offer much greater levels of security and resilience required by users. We, the industry, must all work together to inform users of the robust security that underpins cloud technology, and how they can feel confident in choosing the technology for their businesses. That is why techUK produced a series of papers earlier this year, Building Trust in the Security of Cloud, including practical advice for those considering the cloud.”

-ENDS-

Note to editors:

*Advanced Computer Software Group was renamed Advanced on April 11 2016, as part of a global rebrand.

About Advanced

Through our enterprise and market focused solutions we positively impact millions of people’s lives through continually investing in our people, partnerships and own technologies to stay focused on our markets’, customers’ and their stakeholders’ needs.
We enable our customers to drive efficiencies, savings and growth opportunities through focused, right-first-time software solutions that evolve with the changing needs of their business and the markets they operate in.
True partnership is the defining thing that makes us different from the competition.
We pride ourselves on delivering focused software solutions for public sector, enterprise commercial and health & care organisations that simplify complex business challenges and deliver immediate value.

Advanced is a Sunday Times Top Track 250 Company 2016 and was ranked in the Deloitte UK Fast 50 which recognises the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the UK and a winner of the Tech Company of the Year in PwC’s UK Tech Awards in 2014.

www.oneadvanced.com

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