We recently hosted a dinner in London for some of our key customers and prospects, primarily to socialise with them but also to hear their views on the subject “Beyond Cloud”. It was interesting that the focus of most of the conversation was more around data than the cloud.  This got me thinking; what comes first, cloud or data?  Do organisations move to the cloud and then use more data or does creating more data make a move to the cloud inevitable?

There is no right or wrong answer to that question. Naturally, as a cloud services provider we would like to think that the availability of cloud services is allowing application providers to create more data rich environments. Likewise, application providers believe that their developments continue to drive the expansion of cloud. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, there are four key facts that can’t be denied.

1. Data is on the increase

As consumers and businesses, we’re all accessing and storing an increasing volume of data. As an example, think about the size of your mailbox - while you might have expected that over time the space allocated to you might have got smaller, it hasn’t. It’s probably now at least 10 times the size it was two or three years ago. Why is that? It’s a simple answer - because it can be.

2. Cloud services are growing

The growth of cloud services is accelerating with 57% of SMEs already having some of their IT in the cloud. It’s only a question of time before more services are put into the cloud as companies gain confidence in the security, accessibility and flexibility of cloud. This could then drive further growth in data as the management of it becomes even easier.

3. Data and cloud go hand in hand

While the discussion about what comes first could go on, it can’t be denied that data and cloud go hand in hand, with one not being able to exist without the other. Their evolution may appear separate but they’re not. Every system and service has a driver and data and cloud drive progress together.

4. Partner opportunities

The growth in both data and cloud has created a sales opportunity for the channel. We’ve moved past the initial objections to cloud and more widespread adoption has made it an even easier solution to sell. With all businesses using more data than ever and no sign of a decrease in volume, in fact quite the opposite, the opportunity to grow your own cloud services business is significant. With an increasing number of services becoming cloud enabled, is there any reason why you wouldn’t want to build a cloud services business?

Our N4Cloud platform can help you to develop your cloud services business. Get in touch to discuss the partnership opportunities available to you.

Ian Millward

Head of Sales