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Cloud Solutions Overview
We provide services such as IT Support for Financial Services, support for Professional Service companies, and more. We help businesses of all sizes harness the power of the cloud—implementing scalable, secure cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 and more to improve flexibility, performance, and resilience. Cloud technology is transforming the way companies operate, offering streamlined infrastructure, always-on access, and cost savings that drive innovation and agility.
Cloud adoption is at an all-time high, with 94% of organisations using some form of cloud service in 2024. Hybrid and multi-cloud environments are becoming the new standard, with 72% of companies using a mix of public and private cloud platforms to gain better control, reliability, and performance. In the financial and professional services sectors, cloud platforms are playing a key role in strengthening compliance, supporting remote teams, and improving customer service delivery.
The shift to cloud infrastructure is not only about storage and scalability—it’s about transformation. Businesses that embrace cloud platforms are seeing 30% cost reductions, up to 40% faster recovery times, and significantly improved time-to-market for new products and services. With over $679 billion projected to be spent on cloud services globally in 2025, the message is clear: the cloud is now central to IT strategy.
Investment in cloud technologies continues to rise, with over 50% of enterprise IT spending expected to shift from traditional systems to cloud-based solutions by the end of 2025. This shift enables businesses to become more flexible, secure, and competitive—especially in an era where workforces are increasingly remote and digital experiences are expected to be seamless.
While the benefits are clear, challenges remain. Businesses must navigate data privacy concerns, manage cloud costs, and ensure they have the right skills and governance in place to manage these environments securely. However, with the right strategy and support, the cloud offers a resilient foundation for innovation.
The cloud revolution is well underway. Businesses that embrace it now—through secure, scalable, and smart solutions—will be better positioned to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving digital world.
AI Trends 2024
Cloud technology has evolved rapidly over the past two years, fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate, collaborate, and deliver services. In 2024, several key trends are driving the next phase of cloud innovation—focusing on flexibility, resilience, and smarter, integrated ecosystems.
1. Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments Become the Norm
Businesses are moving away from single-vendor strategies, with 72% of organisations now using hybrid or multi-cloud infrastructures. This approach allows companies to balance performance, cost, and compliance by blending public, private, and on-premise solutions. Hybrid setups are particularly popular in regulated industries, offering the agility of the cloud with greater control over sensitive data.
2. Cloud as a Strategic Business Enabler
Cloud is no longer seen as just an IT infrastructure decision—it’s a critical part of business strategy. Companies are using cloud platforms to accelerate digital transformation, launch products faster, and optimise global operations. According to McKinsey, businesses that fully leverage cloud can reduce IT costs by up to 30% and improve innovation cycles significantly.
3. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity in Focus
The increase in cyber threats and climate-related disruptions has made disaster recovery a top cloud priority. 68% of IT leaders say cloud adoption has improved their disaster recovery capabilities. With solutions like Acronis and Datto, businesses now benefit from near-instant recovery, data redundancy, and geo-distributed storage.
4. Cloud Security and Governance Take Centre Stage
As cloud adoption grows, so does the need for robust security. Organisations are enhancing their governance frameworks to meet compliance requirements such as ISO 27001 and GDPR. Role-based access control, zero-trust architecture, and automated threat detection are becoming standard practices—especially for businesses handling sensitive data or working across multiple jurisdictions.
5. Cloud-Native Development and Automation Accelerate
Cloud-native application development is now used by 76% of enterprises, up from 58% in 2022. Combined with automation tools and containerisation (like Kubernetes), this approach helps organisations deploy faster, scale dynamically, and reduce operational overhead. Automation is also helping IT teams cut manual workloads, freeing up time for strategic initiatives.
6. Cloud Supports a Distributed Workforce
Remote and hybrid working models have increased reliance on cloud platforms. From Microsoft 365 to Azure Virtual Desktop, cloud-based collaboration and identity management tools allow teams to work securely from anywhere. 60% of SMBs now say cloud technology is essential for employee productivity and remote enablement.
7. Sustainable Cloud Becomes a Competitive Differentiator
Green cloud initiatives are gaining momentum, with businesses increasingly choosing providers based on energy efficiency and carbon-neutral commitments. Cloud providers like Microsoft and AWS are investing heavily in sustainable data centres, and businesses are now tracking cloud emissions as part of their ESG strategies.
Cloud solutions in 2024 are about more than storage and servers—they're a foundation for resilience, adaptability, and growth. Businesses that embrace these trends and build their cloud strategy around flexibility, governance, and innovation will be better positioned to thrive in a digital-first world.
Cloud Solution Statistics
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94% of organisations use some form of cloud service.
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72% of businesses have adopted hybrid or multi-cloud environments to improve flexibility and resilience.
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Over 50% of enterprise IT spending is expected to shift to cloud technologies by the end of 2025.
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60% of SMBs say cloud platforms are essential for enabling remote work and team collaboration.
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Companies moving to the cloud report an average 30% reduction in IT infrastructure costs.
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68% of IT leaders say cloud adoption has significantly improved their disaster recovery strategies.
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The global cloud infrastructure market is projected to reach $679 billion by 2025, up from $592 billion in 2024.
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85% of organisations cite scalability and flexibility as top benefits of using cloud solutions.
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91% of businesses using public cloud platforms say it helped improve their regulatory compliance.
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75% of cloud users report faster time-to-market for new products and services.
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Cloud-native application development is now adopted by 76% of enterprises, up from 58% in 2022.
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48% of companies plan to increase investment in cloud-based AI and analytics tools by 2026.
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70% of new digital initiatives are expected to be cloud-native by 2025.
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Cloud automation has helped reduce IT management time by up to 40%.
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Cloud-powered identity and access management tools are improving endpoint security for remote teams.
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45% of IT leaders still cite data security as the top concern when expanding their cloud environments.
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Cloud platforms like Azure and AWS are leading sustainability efforts with energy-efficient data centres.
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Gartner predicts 80% of businesses will use cloud-first strategies for IT operations by 2026.
Cloud adoption is growing rapidly, with businesses across all industries using cloud platforms to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen resilience, and enable smarter collaboration. Whether you're managing sensitive data, scaling operations, or supporting hybrid teams, choosing the right IT provider can make all the difference.
When evaluating a cloud or IT partner, make sure they follow the right cloud security frameworks, understand data governance, and can tailor the right mix of services to suit your business goals. See our Outsourcing IT Support page for more information.
IT Desk's Customer Case Studies - Cipher International
Background
Cipher International had long relied on an on-premise IT infrastructure, including physical servers and locally installed applications connected to a SQL Server database. As the business continued to grow, it became clear that this traditional setup was no longer sustainable—scalability, flexibility, and system reliability were becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
After a consultation with IT Desk, it was agreed that migrating to a cloud-based environment would be the most strategic path forward. The goal was to modernise Cipher’s IT systems, reduce hardware reliance, and enable secure, remote access to business-critical applications.
Cloud Solution Implementations
1. Cloud Infrastructure Migration
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Challenge: Cipher’s legacy infrastructure relied heavily on on-site servers, with core applications and data housed locally—posing issues for remote access, scalability, and resilience.
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Solution: IT Desk UK architected a tailored cloud environment using Microsoft Azure. This included migrating the SQL Server database to Azure and relocating file data into SharePoint (included in Cipher’s existing Microsoft 365 setup), significantly reducing dependence on physical hardware.
2. Azure Virtual Desktop Deployment
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Challenge: The desktop applications used by the team required a stable and high-speed connection to the backend database.
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Solution: Azure Virtual Desktop (WVD) was implemented to host and publish Cipher’s core business applications. This ensured low-latency, high-performance access by placing applications within the same Azure Virtual Network as the database. Staff now access their software remotely, with the applications running in the cloud but appearing locally on their devices.
3. Secure Global Access & Remote Flexibility
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Challenge: Access to on-premise systems during Covid-19 lockdowns was extremely limited, creating operational bottlenecks.
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Solution: With the Azure solution implemented during the pandemic, the team was able to transition seamlessly to remote working. Staff can now securely access their systems from anywhere in the world, with a consistent and familiar user experience.
"One of the main concerns was performance for remote users. By configuring Azure Virtual Network properly and publishing the apps as RemoteApps, we were able to deliver a super low-latency experience that felt local—even when accessed globally." - Technical Solutions Engineer @ IT Desk
Outcomes
✅ Cost-Effective Cloud Model: Cipher only pays for virtual servers when desktops are in use—making the solution both scalable and budget-friendly.
✅ Enhanced Flexibility: As the team grows or contracts, new virtual desktops can be added or removed in minutes.
✅ Reduced Infrastructure Management: Eliminating on-premise servers has saved time, reduced maintenance overhead, and removed a key operational risk.
✅ Business Continuity: Azure enabled a smooth operational shift during Covid-19, ensuring uninterrupted access to key systems and data.
"The other companies considered for this project didn't have the approach to manage migration in a way that made us confident in the final result." – Richard Drabble, Finance Director at Cipher International
Conclusion
The partnership between Cipher International and IT Desk has led to a future-ready, fully cloud-based IT environment. Through thoughtful planning and hands-on support, IT Desk delivered a solution that not only modernised Cipher’s operations but also enhanced flexibility, reduced costs, and ensured the team could work securely from anywhere.
With Azure Virtual Desktop and cloud-hosted infrastructure in place, Cipher has built a foundation for long-term growth—prepared for both today's hybrid workforce and tomorrow’s challenges.
IT Desk's Customer Case Studies - HotHouse Beauty
Background
HotHouse is a brand development company established in 2007, with a strong focus on creating British brands manufactured in the UK. Their growing portfolio includes well-known names such as Brown & Harris, St Moriz, Kids Stuff Crazy Soap, ColourVibe, Shades (London), and Asper & Jones. As their global presence expanded, so did the complexity of their IT infrastructure. HotHouse began facing challenges related to scalability, cost management, and system efficiency—prompting them to explore a modern, cloud-based solution.
Cloud Solution Implementations
1. Infrastructure Scalability & Flexibility
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Challenge: HotHouse needed an IT environment that could adapt quickly to fluctuating business demands, particularly across multiple international markets.
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Solution: IT Desk facilitated a full migration to cloud infrastructure, enabling HotHouse to easily scale resources up or down based on usage. This helped them maintain high performance without overcommitting on infrastructure costs or capacity.
2. Cost Optimisation & Strategic Resource Allocation
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Challenge: The company wanted to reduce upfront infrastructure spend while ensuring their systems could support global expansion.
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Solution: By leveraging a flexible, usage-based pricing model, IT Desk helped HotHouse optimise their cloud spend, removing the need for large capital investments. This freed up funds for reinvestment into marketing, product development, and international growth.
3. Operational Efficiency & Automation
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Challenge: HotHouse’s internal teams were spending considerable time managing manual processes and maintaining on-premise systems.
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Solution: The move to cloud allowed IT Desk to streamline IT operations through automation and managed services. This reduced manual workload and enabled staff to focus on core business activities, improving day-to-day productivity.
4. Security & Resilience
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Challenge: Ensuring data security, regulatory compliance, and business continuity was critical, especially with sensitive brand and customer information in play.
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Solution: The cloud platform provided robust security features, including encryption, access control, and disaster recovery options—giving HotHouse peace of mind and a solid foundation for future growth.
Outcomes
✅ Business Agility: Cloud scalability enabled HotHouse to respond quickly to market demands and roll out new features and services without delay.
✅ Cost Savings: The flexible pricing model helped the business reduce unnecessary IT spend and reinvest in growth areas.
✅ Improved Efficiency: Automating key operations and offloading infrastructure management allowed internal teams to refocus on innovation and customer experience.
✅ Market Expansion: With reliable infrastructure and IT Desk’s guidance, HotHouse successfully expanded into over 30 international markets, establishing strong partnerships with distributors worldwide.
✅ Stronger Customer Experience: The improved stability and performance of their systems helped HotHouse meet customer expectations across all regions.
"HotHouse needed a solution that would grow with them, not hold them back. Designing a cloud setup that allowed them to scale resources quickly—without worrying about server limitations—was key to supporting their international expansion." - Technical Solutions Engineer @ IT Desk
Conclusion
The partnership between HotHouse and IT Desk has proven to be a catalyst for meaningful digital transformation. Through strategic planning, hands-on support, and expert implementation, IT Desk empowered HotHouse to embrace cloud technology confidently. The result is a more agile, efficient, and scalable business—ready to compete on a global stage.
Together, HotHouse and IT Desk have not only modernised operations but built a resilient, future-ready foundation for continued growth and success.
Notable Changes in AI (2023-2024)
Cloud technology has undergone a major evolution in just two years, moving from an operational enabler to a strategic powerhouse for businesses of all sizes. Here are the most significant changes shaping the cloud landscape:
1. Cloud Becomes a Business Strategy—Not Just IT Infrastructure
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In 2022, cloud was primarily seen as a tool for digital storage and remote access. By 2024, it has become fully embedded in long-term business strategies.
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Cloud platforms are now critical for product innovation, global scalability, and business continuity—used not just by IT, but across marketing, finance, and operations.
2. Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments Dominate
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The shift away from single-provider models is accelerating. In 2024, 72% of organisations now operate hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
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This change is driven by the need for flexibility, cost optimisation, and compliance—especially in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and legal services.
3. Cloud Investment and Market Growth Accelerate
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Global cloud infrastructure spending has surged from $525 billion in 2023 to $592 billion in 2024, and is on track to reach $679 billion in 2025.
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Cloud-native development, SaaS platforms, and cloud-based AI are among the fastest-growing segments, with over 50% of enterprise IT budgets now dedicated to cloud technologies.
4. Resilience and Recovery Take Centre Stage
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With the rise in ransomware and climate-related disruptions, businesses have turned to the cloud for business continuity.
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Cloud-powered disaster recovery tools are enabling near-instant recovery, significantly reducing downtime and ensuring data integrity.
5. Cloud-Native Tools Redefine Application Development
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Cloud-native development has moved from niche to norm. By 2024, 76% of enterprises are building and deploying cloud-native applications using tools, serverless functions, and containerisation.
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This shift enables faster innovation cycles, more agile development teams, and infrastructure that scales on demand.
6. Security and Governance Become a Priority
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As cloud adoption grows, so do concerns around data sovereignty, access control, and compliance.
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Organisations are strengthening their cloud governance strategies, aligning with standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR, and deploying advanced security controls like multi-factor authentication, zero-trust architecture, and automated threat detection.
7. Cloud Supports the Distributed Workforce
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The permanent rise of remote and hybrid working has made cloud platforms indispensable.
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Microsoft 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and other SaaS tools are enabling secure, seamless collaboration across borders—helping businesses maintain productivity and continuity regardless of physical location.
In just two years, cloud technology has evolved from a supporting role to a central force in business transformation. Companies that embrace this shift are not just improving IT performance—they're creating more resilient, innovative, and future-ready organisations.
How IT Desk stay up-to-date with Cloud Solutions
At IT Desk, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just something we say—it’s a core part of how we operate. As a Microsoft Partner, we’re regularly invited to exclusive Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 training sessions, giving us direct insight into the latest cloud features, security updates, and best practices—straight from the source.
But our learning doesn’t stop there.
We actively monitor trusted resources such as Microsoft Learn, Gartner, Forrester, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to stay on top of emerging trends in cloud governance, automation, and resilience. Our vendor partnerships with leading providers also give us early access to tools, technical white-papers, and implementation guides, all of which we rigorously test in-house before recommending to clients.
We believe that continuous learning is essential in an ever-evolving digital environment. That’s why we embed cloud knowledge into our everyday routines—with regular team huddles, internal tech showcases, and lunch-and-learn sessions designed to keep our entire team informed, aligned, and cloud-confident.
Our commitment to learning means we don’t just offer cloud solutions—we live and breathe them. That’s how we help clients make smart, secure, and scalable decisions in today’s cloud-first world.
IT Desk's Cloud Solution Policies
At IT Desk, we take cloud security and governance seriously—even in the absence of a dedicated cloud-specific policy. As an ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified company, our internal systems and processes are already built around industry-leading standards for information security, data protection, and quality management.
We don’t currently have a standalone cloud usage policy for platforms like Microsoft Azure—but the same principles that guide our AI policy and internal security practices apply across all our cloud services. These include:
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Strict access controls and multi-factor authentication
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Encryption of data in transit and at rest
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Regular internal audits and data protection reviews
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Alignment with GDPR and other regulatory requirements
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Secure onboarding processes for staff and devices
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Clear guidance on acceptable use and risk management
A policy we do like to have is our Information Security Policy for Supplier Relationships and Cloud Providers. This policy establishes the information security requirements that must be met by all IT Desk suppliers and cloud providers that handle or contribute to IT Desk information assets, to ensure the protection of sensitive information assets and data. Within this policy, all cloud providers that offer cloud-based solutions to IT Desk myst adhere to the following requirements:
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Confidentiality
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Security/data integrity
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Service availability
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Information handling
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Proactive support
As a Microsoft Silver Partner, we also adhere to Microsoft's best practices for cloud deployment, security configuration, and compliance alignment—ensuring our solutions are implemented and managed responsibly.
We believe in transparency and continuous improvement. As cloud technology evolves, we’re committed to refining our internal policies to meet new challenges and maintain the trust of our clients and partners.
Headline Cloud Solution Statistics
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94% of enterprises use some form of cloud service as of 2024.
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Global cloud infrastructure services spending is projected to reach $679 billion by 2025, up from $592 billion in 2024.
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72% of organisations now use hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
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60% of SMBs report that cloud platforms are essential for remote work, collaboration, and scalability.
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30% average cost savings reported by companies that migrated key systems to the cloud.
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Over 50% of enterprise IT spending is expected to shift to the cloud by 2025.
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68% of IT leaders say cloud has improved their disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
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85% of organisations list scalability and flexibility as top reasons for adopting cloud infrastructure.
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75% of companies using cloud services say it has improved their time-to-market for new products.
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91% of companies using public cloud say it helped improve compliance with regulatory standards.
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Security is still a concern, with 45% of IT leaders citing data breaches as their biggest cloud-related fear.
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48% of businesses say they plan to increase investment in cloud-based AI and analytics tools by 2026.
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By 2025, 70% of businesses are expected to adopt a cloud-native approach to all new digital initiatives.
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Cloud automation has helped organisations reduce IT management time by up to 40%.
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Cloud-native application development is now used by 76% of enterprises, up from 58% in 2022.
FAQs about Cloud Solutions
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—such as storage, servers, networking, databases, and software—over the internet ("the cloud"). It allows businesses to access technology resources on demand without owning or maintaining physical infrastructure.
Is the cloud secure?
Yes, cloud solutions can be very secure—often more so than on-premise systems—when implemented correctly. They typically include features such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security updates, and access controls. However, it’s important to follow best practices and governance frameworks to ensure data remains protected.
What’s the difference between public, private, and hybrid cloud?
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Public cloud: Services are hosted on shared infrastructure and delivered over the internet.
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Private cloud: Resources are dedicated to one organisation, offering more control and customisation.
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Hybrid cloud: Combines both public and private models, allowing businesses to run workloads in the most suitable environment for their needs.
How does cloud computing benefit my business?
Cloud solutions offer flexibility, scalability, cost savings, and enhanced collaboration. They support remote work, reduce the need for hardware, improve disaster recovery capabilities, and allow you to scale resources up or down as your business evolves.
How does cloud backup and disaster recovery work?
Cloud backup involves automatically copying and storing data in a secure, off-site location. In the event of data loss, system failure, or a cyberattack, cloud disaster recovery solutions enable you to quickly restore systems and minimise downtime.
Can cloud solutions help with compliance?
Yes. Many cloud platforms are designed to support compliance with standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, and other data protection regulations. However, it’s still the responsibility of each business to configure their cloud environment correctly and monitor usage according to their regulatory requirements.
How scalable are cloud solutions?
Cloud services are inherently scalable. You can easily increase or decrease resources—such as storage, computing power, or user licenses—based on your current needs, without the delays or costs associated with physical hardware upgrades.
What are the risks of using cloud solutions?
While the cloud offers many benefits, there are risks including data breaches, misconfigured settings, downtime from service providers, and vendor lock-in. Working with a trusted IT provider and following best practices can help you mitigate these risks.
How do I know if my business is ready to move to the cloud?
If your business is growing, managing remote teams, facing hardware limitations, or looking to improve resilience and flexibility, you may be ready for the cloud. An IT assessment can help determine which parts of your infrastructure are suitable for cloud migration.
Will moving to the cloud disrupt my business?
With proper planning, cloud migration can be done with minimal disruption. The process is often phased, ensuring critical systems remain online while data and services are securely transitioned. Working with an experienced IT provider can make the move smooth and seamless.
Written by:
Steve Harper
Commercial Director
Sources
Statista, Forrester, Gartner, McKinsey, Forbes, Tech Council, IDC (International Data Corporation), Microsoft Learn, National Cyber Security (NCSC), PwC
📥 Get the Cloud Statistics Report
Want to explore the data in more detail or share it with your team?
Download our Cloud Solutions Statistics (Updated March 2025) PDF for a complete overview of cloud adoption, market trends, real-world business use cases, and expert insights—all in one easy-to-read PDF.
Whether you're building a strategy or just staying informed, this resource is designed to help you make decisions about migrating to the cloud.
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