Some 90% of ICT decision-makers are changing their cloud buying behaviour as a direct result of allegations of large scale clandestine cyber-surveillance. A study published by NTT Communications says that even the US customers want local.
The survey of 1000 ICT decision-makers from France, Germany, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, and the USA found these key points:
1. Almost nine in ten (88%) of ICT decision-makers are changing their
cloud buying behaviour, with over one in three (38%) amending
their procurement conditions for cloud providers
2. Only 5% of respondents believe location does not matter when it
comes to storing company data
3. More than three in ten (31%) of ICT decision-makers are moving data to locations where the business knows it will be safe
4. Around six in ten (62%) of those not currently using cloud feel
the revelations have prevented them from moving their ICT into the cloud
5. ICT decision-makers now prefer buying a cloud service which is located in their own region, especially EU respondents (97%) and US (92%)
6. Just over half (52%) are carrying out greater due diligence on
cloud providers than ever before
7. One in six (16%) is delaying or cancelling contracts with cloud
service providers
8. More than four fifths (84%) feel they need more training on data
protection laws
9. 82% of all ICT decision-makers globally agree with proposals by
Angela Merkel for separating data networks
Len Padilla, Vice President Product Strategy, NTT Communications in Europe, said, "Our findings show that the NSA allegations have hardened ICT decision-makers' attitudes towards cloud computing, whether it is modifying procurement policies, scrutinising potential suppliers or taking a heightened interest in where their data is stored."
He continued, "Despite the scandal and global security threat, business executives need to remember that cloud platforms do help firms become more agile, and do help foster technology innovation, even in the most risk-averse organisations. ICT decision-makers are working hard to find ways to retain those benefits and protect the organisation against being compromised in any way. There is optimism that the industry can solve these issues through restricting data movement and encryption of data."