Cloud computing takes hold despite privacy fears
Users of online e-mail, storage systems fear the sale of personal data without permission
September 15, 2008 12:00 PM ETComputerworld - As consumers flock to the cloud computing world to store photos online, back up hard drives or use Web-based e-mail, many harbor worries about the security of that personal data, according to a study released late last week from the Pew Internet & American Life project.
The study found that 69% of online users use Web e-mail services, store data online or use Web-based applications like Google Docs.
Breaking cloud computing use down further, the survey found the following:
- 56% of online users use Web e-mail services like Hotmail or Gmail.
- 34% store photos online.
- 29% use online applications like Google Docs or Adobe Photoshop Express.
- 7% store personal videos online.
- 5% store computer files online.
- 5% back up hard drives online.
More than half (51%) of the active cloud computing users say they turned to the technology because it's easy and convenient, while 41% said they like being able to access their data from multiple computers.
Despite those advantages, the survey found the following:
- 90% of cloud application users fear the sale of their personal data.
- 80% are concerned that their photos or other data may be used in marketing campaigns.
- 68% do not want companies to display specific ads based on an analysis of their online actions.
"Even as large numbers of users turn to 'cloud computing' applications, many may lack a full understanding of possible consequences of storing personal data online," said John Horrigan, associate director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project and author of the report, in a statement. "These findings give consumers, the technology community and policymakers a chance to discuss the trade-offs between convenience and privacy and figure out where there are needs for education to improve public understanding."
Pew surveyed 2,251 adults in April and May; of those, 1,553 were Internet users.
Read more about saas in Computerworld's SaaS Knowledge Center.
cloud computing
Additional Resources



Learn the important issues you must consider before starting your next mobility initiative. Get your mobility white paper from IDC now, compliments of Sybase.
White Papers & Webcasts
Moving Beyond Monolithic White Paper
What's next for enterprise application architecture? Learn Now.
Manager Experience Demo
Go beyond self-service solutions to perform more effectively. Watch Now.
The ROI of Software-As-A-Service - Forrester Research
Learn if SaaS has a long-term value. Read now.
Manjit Singh,CIO, Chiquita Brands - Video
View this video now.
The Workday User Interface White Paper
Read how Workday re-invents the user experience in enterprise applications.
The Value of Real SaaS at Workday
Download this short video! Provided by Workday
Integration On-Demand White Paper
Solve your enterprise systems integration problems now. Read this whitepaper.
Top HPC Use Cases in Life Sciences
Learn from the experts how best to apply cutting edge high-performance computing techniques a life sciences environment.
The Continuous Innovation of SaaS - Jason Corsello, Knowledge Infusion
The next generation ERP systems have arrived. Learn more now.
Data in Action: Making the Planet Smarter
Register Now
Computerworld Reports
Disaster Recovery & Cost Savings Zone
Thousands of customers world-wide have turned to virtualization solutions from Riverbed as a way to reduce costs.

