CIOs Reluctant to use Cloud-Based Development Platform

Bangalore: A recent survey by IBM reveals that CIOs are reluctant to use Cloud-based development platform such as Platform-as-a-Service although, they are accepting other development platforms such as Software-as-a-Service and Software-as-an-Infrastructure.  

However, CIOs are now aware of the advantages and are comfortable with cloud-based services. This will eventually accelerate its adoption. The survey conducted on over 1500 IT decision makers found that Big Data is the No. 1 strategic initiatives they are targeting and this has led to an early adoption of Platform-as-a-Service. “Just as auto makers have used common platforms or chassis to manufacture their lines of cars more efficiently, PaaS allows organizations to standardize their IT platform and quickly introduce new competitive offerings," said Erich Clementi, senior vice president of IBM Global Technology Services. “IBM is focused on industrializing this cloud platform to drive business innovation around key enterprise applications.”  Furthermore, almost 20 per cent of the respondents reported that they have already adopted Platform-as-a-Service.

The results of the survey by IBM were announced simultaneously with the launch of its web-based application development tools- IBM SmartCloud Application Services. With this suite from IBM, developers can develop, deploy as well as managed their applications in the Cloud and allow them access to Cloud-Based Middleware and Storage.

With the adoption of Platform-as-a-Service, applications can be developed on a uniform platform. This will relieve IT managers from tasks such as integrating data across business units as well licensing fees.

The risk of vendor lock-in is keeping CIOs away from adopting PaaS. However, this risk will not last for long! According to Kevin Thompson, as CIOs becomes comfortable with the other cloud-based services, they will then see the significance of adopting Platform-as-a-Service.

Jessica Carroll, Managing Director- IT, United States Golf Association foresee the growing demands for new applications. Although, at present she and her team are using various cloud services, they are still staying away from PaaS. She will consider the advantages of this service once the demand increases.