Majority reports cloud has returned positive ROI over last two years

Photo by Brett Sayles

A new survey report by Infosys Cobalt and MIT Technology Review Insights,  examines how cloud capabilities play a crucial role in accelerating the global economy’s next stage of digital transformation, spanning cybersecurity, sustainability, AI, and more.

The “2023 Global Cloud Ecosystem” report is based on in-depth secondary research and analysis, along with interviews with global experts on the cloud economy.

The key findings are as follows:

Cloud helps the top and bottom line globally 

More than eight out of 10 survey respondents report more cost-efficiency due to cloud deployments. Eighty two percent say they are currently tracking cloud ROI and 66% report positive ROI from cloud investments.

Cloud-centric organizations expect strong data governance (but don’t always get it) 

Strong data privacy protection and governance is essential to accelerate cloud adoption. Perceptions of national data sovereignty and privacy frameworks vary, underscoring the lack of global standards. Most respondents decline to say their countries are leaders in the space, but more than two-thirds say they keep pace.

All in for zero-trust 

Public and hybrid cloud assets raise cybersecurity concerns. But cloud is required to grow AI and automation. Because of the risk associated with AI, the zero-trust user paradigm has gained wide acceptance across industries.

Sustainability in the cloud 

The cloud’s primary function—scaling up computing resources—is a key enabler for compliance issues such as security, privacy, and environment, social, and governance (ESG). Fifty-four percent of respondents say they use cloud tools for ESG reporting and compliance, and 51% use cloud to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion compliance.

“As cloud investment gears up to command a significant amount of global IT infrastructure spending in 2023, the dynamic interplay between flexibility, efficiency, and productivity becomes clear,” says Laurel Ruma, global editorial director, MIT Technology Review Insights. She continues,

“The cloud’s potential is unmistakable, and this report serves as a beacon for decision-makers seeking to harness its power for innovation and growth.”

“Cloud has demonstrated a clear ability to impact the bottom line, and organizations globally are committed to next-gen technology development strategies that are powered by cloud,” says Anant Adya, executive vice president and service offering head, Infosys.