Cloud productivity
Productivity App Use in Cloud Shifts to Microsoft
A new report points to a major spike in the use of cloud productivity applications, but much of that can be attributed to the adoption of Microsoft Office 365.
Use of Cloud Productivity Apps
Nearly half (48%) of the IT organizations sampled have users accessing cloud-based productivity and email application suites, up from 28% in 2014.
Huge Upsurge in Microsoft Office 365 Adoption
Microsoft has surged ahead of Google, more than tripling its adoption, from 7.7% in 2014 to 25.2% in 2015. In contrast, Google applications represent 22.8%.
Large Companies’ Use of Email Service in the Cloud
In 2014, only 24% of companies with less than 500 employees and 18% of companies with more than 1,000 employees made use of cloud-based email. In 2015, 44.2% of companies with less than 500 employees and 57.4% of companies with more than 1,000 employees had turned to cloud-based email.
Microsoft vs. Google in the Cloud
Companies with more than 500 employees overwhelmingly choose Microsoft (34.3%) over Google (21.9%). Google Apps continues to have a small lead with smaller companies at 22.8% versus 21.4% for Microsoft.
Use of Cloud Productivity Apps in Regulated Industries
Large companies in regulated industries have shown a swift transition to the cloud. Google Apps takes a steady second to Microsoft Office 365. Since 2014, three times as many large, regulated companies are using Google Apps (15% from 5%) and six times as many are making use of Microsoft Office 365 (30% from 5%).
Use of Cloud Productivity Apps in Private Companies
Privately held companies are turning to Google Apps (24%) more than Microsoft (21%). In 2014, the numbers were Google Apps, at 17%, and Microsoft, at 8%.
International Adoption Outpaces North America
Large enterprises in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (59%) and the Asia-Pacific region (61%) have adopted the major cloud suites more aggressively than their counterparts in North America (48%).
Use of Single Sign-On
Use of single sign-on varies widely, but the biggest surge has been among users of Salesforce and Microsoft Office 365 apps. In general, enterprises in EMEA are by far the biggest adopters of cloud security solutions like single sign-on (SSO). Use of SSO in Google Apps environments is a mere 4%.