Cloud computing will become enterprises' platform of choice for IT delivery in the next five years, a poll has shown.
More than 90 per cent of industry professionals surveyed by IBM said they expect cloud computing to overtake on-premise computing as the main way for businesses to acquire IT over the next five years.
The IBM Tech Trends Survey also placed cloud computing as one of the top two areas for career opportunities in IT from 2011 onwards, alongside mobile.
Over half of respondents claimed developers will look to produce more mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices, as well as for tablets such as the iPad, than they will for all other traditional computing platforms by 2015.
"These survey results clearly demonstrate that IT professionals see a combination of disruptive technologies and industry-specific skills as key to driving near-term business growth," said Jim Corgel, general manager for independent software vendors and developer relations at IBM.
Extra cloud offerings
IBM has also announced new resources, through its developerWorks site, to help IT pros expand their skill sets to get ready for the next-generation of technologies.
In particular, there are some new cloud computing resources such as online workshops and skills tutorials, while virtual events will be held this month where tutors will take participants through real-world examples of specific challenges in the cloud.
While there is plenty of buzz around cloud computing, some are not convinced uptake will be as rapid and widespread as expected.
John McHugh, vice president and chief marketing officer at Brocade, recently claimed during his keynote speech at NetEvents 2010 that cloud computing is "overhyped" and will be embraced considerably more slowly than people believe.
