Cloud computing is a topic that we’ve covered a number of times on The Bull Run (see our dedicated Cloud category) and at our annual Cloud Computing Breakfast Briefings, but when my New Zealand-bred husband showed me a recent article from one of his favorite web sites, www.Stuff.co.nz, about how far behind New Zealand is with Cloud adoption, it occurred to me that we’ve really only discussed the status of Cloud Computing in the U.S. and on Wall Street in particular. My second thought was – considering New Zealand is the “Land of the Long White Cloud,” – it seemed ironic that the report from Kiwis is that the Cloud is still hazy.
Actually, hazy might not be the most accurate analogy. According to a recent survey by software firm ActionStep, the current forecast is more like completely cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms as nearly half of the businesses surveyed still don’t even know what Cloud Computing is. Apparently, the biggest reason is that small businesses in particular don’t really have time to look into its benefits. Another, more understandable reason, is that New Zealand has been plagued by earthquakes since September 2010, (there have been over 7,500 earthquakes to date and the number keeps increasing daily) so the ground has been on their minds a bit more than the Cloud. Valid argument if you ask me, however, as much as I love New Zealand and its people, Cloud Computing started before the earthquakes and should very much be on the forefront of their minds as a disaster recovery strategy to protect valuable data during future quakes (I apologize in advance to my In-Laws who I love dearly, but I had to mention it).
As I am running out of weather-related Cloud analogies, here is my final report. While New Zealand might not be where the U.S. is at the moment with its understanding and adoption of the Cloud, awareness is on the horizon thanks to outlets like the survey conducted by ActionStep and write-up by www.Stuff.co.nz. It’s my prediction that it will only be a matter of time before the Kiwis not only embrace the Cloud but think of a more efficient and innovative way of utilization because that’s just their nature.
Oh, and my husband wants to let you all know that New Zealand is NOT a part of Australia.
Need a Reprint?
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