Report: Cloud computing reduces computer maintenance costs

According to a recent Experian Hitwise report, one of the main benefits of cloud computing is the ability for companies to cut their computer maintenance costs.

Gareth Bloor, an industry expert, explained that this is one of many reasons the technology is good for businesses. Having the cloud allows businesses to reduce the cost of upgrading computers, as well as general maintenance. The managed IT service typically finds the latest software automatically itself and provides the ability to upgrade easily.

"Unless the update affects functionality or visual elements, you as the user are positively oblivious to the changes," said Bloor.

In addition to reduced maintenance costs and easy upgrades, companies in all sectors have begun realizing several other benefits of using the managed IT service. Scalability, virtualization and heightened security are all noted as positives by companies in the cloud.

The cloud’s success and adoption across many sectors has led IDC to predict worldwide IT spending on the cloud will reach $44.2 billion by 2013.