Our 21st century society has become so used to change and new developments that genuinely progressive concepts are initially not recognised by many people. There is then a rush to implementation once the benefits become obvious. Virtualisation is a good example of this, with the technology being around for a decade before its benefits really became understood and appreciated.

We are now on the cusp of a significant evolution in information technology, one which has the potential to completely change how organisational IT is provisioned, managed and protected. Welcome to cloud computing.

This white paper will briefly explain what cloud computing is; will look at the facts which underlie the hyperbole; and will consider both the benefits and challenges that it brings to organisations.