End users and tech experts agree on cloud's potential

As cloud computing continues its march toward mainstream acceptance in the business community, analysts are wondering whether the technology came to the enterprise space as a result of consumer enthusiasm or top-down research efforts.

A recent CIO Today report tied the growing confidence in enterprise cloud systems to support for the technology in consumer-focused applications. With cloud email in homes and various services synchronizing music collections, users are becoming accustomed to accessing data from anywhere.

"I see it as a fundamental shift, recognizing that people had numerous devices, and they wanted the bulk of their content in the cloud, and easily accessible from all of the devices," Apple CEO Tim Cook told the news source.

The movement to the cloud is not, however, only inspired by consumer trends. The National Science Foundation is also a booster of future cloud technologies, offering numerous awards and programs designed to power new developments in cloud computing.

A recent NSF report labeled the adoption of cloud technology as an important factor for the country's future economic health. In fact, analysts envision cloud applications shaping the way forward in government, academic and industrial settings.