Cloud computing: what decision-makers should watch

The cloud infrastructure market is dominated by a few large providers.

For executives, the main question regarding “Cloud computing” is their own exposure: which costs, revenues and financing conditions depend on it, directly or indirectly?

A proven approach is to run scenarios and monitor leading indicators regularly. That puts decisions on a solid footing without reacting to every headline.

Several forces are at work in “Cloud computing”: the interest rate environment, domestic and foreign demand, regulation and, not least, market participants' expectations. None of these can be viewed in isolation.

Risks include unexpected political decisions, supply chain disruptions and abrupt shifts in financial market sentiment. Opportunities arise where companies respond early to changing conditions.