Discover how Canadian businesses are rapidly adopting cloud infrastructure to drive growth, reduce costs, and enhance operational resilience. Explore the key benefits of cloud adoption and how it empowers companies to innovate and thrive in uncertain times.
In recent times, Canadian companies have been known for their cautious approach towards adopting cloud technology, maintaining a traditional mindset year after year. However, a recent report by Forrester suggests that the global trend is strongly leaning towards cloud, with the public cloud market projected to exceed $1 trillion (USD) worldwide by 2026.
In Canada, there has been a gradual shift in mindset over the past few years. A study conducted by IDC in 2016 revealed that only a small percentage of Canadian businesses considered themselves as digital disruptors, while the majority fell into the categories of digital resisters or digital explorers.
ITWC’s research further supported this observation. Annual surveys conducted between 2018 and 2021 asked Canadian business leaders about their intentions regarding leveraging IT infrastructure and applications in the upcoming 12-24 months. The percentage of those considering cloud adoption showed a slow increase from 30% in 2018 to 38% in 2021.
However, a remarkable transformation occurred in ITWC’s 2022 survey. When business leaders were asked about their projections for the next 12 to 24 months, the percentage favoring cloud as the preferred infrastructure model jumped to 59% from the previous year’s 38%.
This significant shift indicated a change in perception, with nearly six out of ten Canadian business leaders now recognizing cloud as a crucial delivery mechanism. The events of 2020, where companies had to quickly establish hybrid offices, could have contributed to this change, although some attribute it to the inherent caution often associated with Canadian business culture.
As we enter 2023, it appears to be the year when cloud technology will truly become the preferred infrastructure delivery vehicle for Canadian businesses. Organizations are now following the successful examples of early cloud adopters in Canada, the United States, and worldwide.
Business leaders who participated in ITWC’s survey highlighted several benefits of cloud adoption amid uncertain times. These advantages include reduced technology infrastructure costs, increased productivity, improved operational resilience, and a decrease in security incidents.
Individually, these benefits are impressive, but collectively they paint a more compelling picture. Companies that embrace cloud technology and implement it effectively are experiencing faster time-to-market and enabling their employees to focus more on innovation by relieving them of day-to-day operational burdens.
