International Data Corporation (IDC) has released a report on cloud computing which sheds light on the future potential of cloud compouting and it's major market trends in India. The research, titled "India Cloud Market Overview 2011-2016", also addresses the attitudinal and purchase behaviors of end users and what is influencing them in their choice for adoption.

IDC estimates the Indian Cloud market to be in the region of $535m in 2011 with a growth of more than 70% expected for 2012 and almost 50% growth forecasted for the next 3 years. However, the report states that the public cloud still lags way behind the private cloud adoption.

"We have definitely seen cloud cross the inflexion point in end 2011; use cases especially in IAAS & SAAS areas provide testimony to that. With proper messaging from key vendors and due diligence of opportunities which exist in the cloud delivery models, the market will grow much faster in the coming years," says Nirupam Chaudhuri, research manager, software & IT services, IDC India. "Alliance with key channels and enablement will further intensify the growth for major cloud providers and gradually we will see even core applications moving to cloud much faster. Users need to feel much more comfortable with fewer inhibitions like security and ownership concerns," he adds.

The report suggests that the cloud providers also need to strengthen their capabilities to understand the business requirements of the organizations and come up with apt value propositions. “Organizations are more likely to work with firms that understand their business processes better and industry dynamics, and hence are better suited to overseeing the transition of the organization to a cloud environment without disruption of the business processes," says Sandeep Kumar Sharma, senior market analyst, IT services, IDC India.

The report further adds that it is also imperative for the cloud providers to act as partners for the organizations in assessing their cloud readiness, and accordingly recommending a cloud adoption roadmap. This is absolutely essential for a seamless integration of the IT infrastructure into the cloud environment. “Organizations, even the larger ones, are on an increasing level feeling the pinching need to assess their cloud readiness and maturity levels. This would provide a boost to Cloud Consulting services in the coming 12-24 months. A direct corollary is that vendors need to have robust Cloud Consulting capabilities in place for making a foray into this space," says Sandeep.

International Data Corporation (IDC) is a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets. It helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide. For more than 47 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company.