Forecast: Cloud subscriptions skyrocket

As businesses move farther into the online realm it isn't only about engaging consumers to buy products. The online space is also proving to be a lucrative addition to business infrastructure like the storage of documents, employee training materials and ways for remote workers to stay in touch with the home office.

by Kristina Knight

According to data from Qumu, more businesses will head into the cloud in the coming months, looking for more affordable storage as well as to meet employee training goals. New data out from iSuppli indicates subscriptions to cloud storage services will grow to at least 500 million in 2012, nearly doubling the number of subscriptions in 2011.

"In an environment where mobile devices like smartphones and media tablets handle broadband data on a near-ceaseless basis, businesses are realizing the importance of cloud services in allowing consumers to manage, store and sync content across their devices," said Jagdish Rebello, Ph.D., director for consumer & communications at IHS. "And with companies casting about for new viable business models in order to monetize data traffic, cloud-based services could help lead firms into the next revolution of the wireless industry--or at least remain pertinent in the new mobile broadband paradigm. However, providing cloud services is not profitable as a standalone service, challenging companies to identify value-added services that could generate revenue."

In 2013, these subscriptions are expected to make a 25% gain to reach at least 625 million.

The cloud can also become a kind of storage facility for brands to keep old ad campaigns, images and other content which can be brought out through social networks to support newer campaigns in the online space.

Tags: cloud business trends, cloud computing, cloud storage, iSuppli, online business