Cloud Computing Confusion Continues

SUNNYVALE, CA, Nov 09 (MARKET WIRE) --
According to an August 2009 survey of more than 200 information
technology (IT) professionals, the term "cloud computing" brings a host
of definitions and perceptions that may, in fact, stall enterprise
adoption of cloud computing technologies.

Proofpoint, Inc. (www.proofpoint.com), the leading provider of SaaS email
security, email archiving and data loss prevention solutions, and Osterman
Research (www.ostermanresearch.com) found that a large number of IT
professionals are still confused about the term "cloud computing." Nearly
40 percent of IT professionals answered "yes" to the question, "when I
hear the term 'cloud computing,' I am generally confused given the many
definitions" (52 percent answered "no"). Thirty-three percent believe
cloud computing is more hype than substance, while 24 percent "weren't
sure."

As expected, the understanding of cloud computing isn't any clearer in
other areas of the enterprise.

For example, just 24 percent of respondents believe their CEO could define
cloud computing while 59 percent responded their CEO would fail at the
task. Finance directors would have a more difficult time defining cloud
computing according to respondents -- only 10 percent said their finance
heads could accurately define cloud computing.

Concerns about Security of Cloud Computing Mixed, Many Remain Unconvinced
of Fiscal Benefits of Cloud-based Solutions

Responses to the Proofpoint survey showed that opinions are split as far
as the security of sensitive data in the cloud. Fifty percent of
respondents believe that if they moved sensitive data to a cloud-based
provider, they would run a higher risk of having that data compromised or
being in violation of government data-protection statutes.

While 43 percent responded "yes" when asked if they felt that "cloud
computing is less secure than managing things in house," 31 percent
responded "not sure" (26 percent responded "no").

"Any great paradigm shift, cloud computing included, will always be
accompanied by hype and a fair amount of confusion. So we're not surprised
to see those percentages, even among the power users -- IT professionals.
There's still a significant amount of 'fear, uncertainly and doubt'
surrounding data security and financial payback issues," said Gary Steele,
CEO of Proofpoint.

Only 37 percent of IT professionals estimate that within the first year of
implementation, their organization would realize cost savings from a
cloud-based email security system. The number drops to 34 percent when
asked about migrating an email archiving system to the cloud.

When asked about the difference in the quality of cloud-based email
security services and cloud-based email archiving services, a large number
of IT professionals believe the differences are significant. 46 percent of
respondents see a significant difference between the cloud-based email
security offerings on the market (19 percent do not) while 43 percent see
a significant difference between the cloud-based email archiving solutions
(21 percent do not).

"The takeaway is that clearly all clouds are not created equal. Given the
increasing number of SaaS email security and compliance solutions
available and differences in data security, service level agreements,
effectiveness and ease-of-use, enterprises must conduct their due
diligence when moving these types of functions to the cloud," continued
Steele.

Previous Proofpoint research has found that a majority of enterprises
intend to move both inbound and outbound email security functions to a
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. In its June 2009 survey of 220 email
decision makers at companies with more than 1000 employees, Proofpoint
found that 56 percent of respondents said they have or will deploy a SaaS
security solution for inbound email scanning. 54 percent said they have or
will deploy a SaaS security solution for outbound email scanning.

Proofpoint's August survey also found that cloud computing may be facing
an unlikely detractor within the enterprise -- the IT professional. When
asked the question, "if we implemented cloud-based services, many of our
IT staff members would perceive that our company was preparing to lay
them off," 47 percent answered "yes" and 30 percent answered "no" (23
percent said "not sure").

Learn More about the Benefits of Cloud Computing for Email Security

Proofpoint invites both skeptics and cloud computing converts to learn
more about the pros and cons of deploying security features in the cloud
and how next-generation SaaS solutions for email security, archiving and
data loss prevention can deliver superior security, better performance
and lower costs compared to on-premises approaches. Register to attend
Proofpoint's live Web seminar, "Cloud Computing Confusion: Is SaaS Email
Security Right for Your Enterprise?" being held Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
by visiting:

http://www.proofpoint.com/cloud-confusion-webinar

About Proofpoint, Inc.

Proofpoint secures and improves enterprise email infrastructure with
solutions for email security, archiving, encryption and data loss
prevention. Proofpoint solutions defend against spam and viruses, prevent
leaks of confidential and private information, encrypt sensitive emails
and archive messages for retention, e-discovery and easier mailbox
management. Proofpoint solutions can be deployed on-demand (SaaS),
on-premises (appliance), or in a hybrid architecture for maximum
flexibility and scalability. For more information, please visit:
http://www.proofpoint.com

Proofpoint is a trademark or registered trademark of Proofpoint, Inc. in
the US and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the
property of their respective owners.

Proofpoint Press Contacts:
Christine Huynh
LEWIS PR
617-226-8877
Email Contact

Marty Tacktill
Proofpoint
408-850-4110
Email Contact

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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