Survey: Many Americans Don’t Understand Cloud Computing

A survey from Wakefield Research, commissioned by Citrix, found that many Americans aren’t familiar with cloud computing or are unaware that they are using it, Citix announced August 28.

Kim DeCarlis, vice president of corporate marketing at Citrix, said the survey showed that there is a wide gap between the perceptions and realities of cloud computing.

In fact, Citrix said, there is a significant disconnect between what Americans think cloud is, what they pretend to know, and what they actually do.

Of the participants, 22% pretended to know what cloud is, 56% have heard colleagues talk about it, and 29% think it is weather-related.

Wakefield Research also found that 95% of the 54% respondents who said they haven’t used cloud have actually done so through online banking services, shopping, and storing photos and music online.

The survey also found that many Americans are optimistic that cloud computing can lead to economic benefits. After knowing what cloud computing is, 68% of the respondents said cloud computing can lower consumer costs, promote small business growth, and boost customer engagement.

However, some respondents are concerned over the costs, security, and privacy of cloud computing services.

The survey sampled 1,006 participants via emails and online surveys from August 2 to 7.

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