The Economist has just released a Special Report on Corporate IT detailing how information technology is turning into a global cloud accessible from anywhere.

The report argues that information technology is coming full circle and becoming increasingly centralized as more activity moves away from distributed devices into data centres. Cheaper and more powerful processors and speedier and more pervasive networks are making computing power ever more disembodied and commoditised.  This allows digital technology to be consumed where and when it is needed – enabling IT to penetrate ever deeper into all aspects of general social and economic activity.

This shift, claims the Economist, “will profoundly change the way people work and companies operate.”  Read the full set of articles in this Special Report for invaluable insghts into where this cloud phenonmenon is heading.

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that Internet users are increasingly using web-based applications and services.  The survey of US-based Internet users revealed that  69% had participated some form of cloud computing  activity such as using a webmail service, storing digital files online, editing documents online or using social networking tools.

Convenience and flexibility were the primary draws for those who accessed cloud computing services. The ease of sharing information and the ability to access their data from anywhere and through any common device were cited as key benefits of web-based applications by many users.  On the flip-side, users did list data  security and privacy as their primary concerns about the emerging cloud computing model.

The rapid growth of wireless connectivity such as WiFi and 3G networks that provide convenient on-ramps to the Internet from practically anywhere has clearly spurred the growth of the cloud services model.  The survey also found that younger internet users are more inclined than older ones to use web-based services or applications.

While this particular survey only sampled American Internet users, the the same trends have been reported anecdotedly in most mature Internet markets including Singapore.  Seasoned web users are becoming increasigly comfortable in accessing cloud-based services and solutions.  Service providers who effectively address the key concerns of such users over data security and privacy will be well positioned to soar with this rising cloud.

A recent Business Times article reports that “internet users in Singapore exert more influence in their organisations than their non-Internet using counterparts”.  This according to a survey conducted by Synovate PAX.

Apparently, about 34 % of web users in Singapore are business decision makers, compared with  19 % who are non-internet users. Also, 21 % of Internet users here engage in ‘influential’ business activities, against 6 % who do not use the internet.

The implications are clear – the Internet is already a crucial medium to reach out to your prospects.  Is your business taking full advantage of this resource?

Read the full Business Times article here.

No need to feel guilty about spending time surfing the web … it is apparently good for your brain.

Research by a University of California team suggests that searching the web could in fact mitigate age-related slowing of the brain.  Scans of the brain indicated significant activity in areas of the brain that controlled decision-making and complex reasoning while subjects surfed the web – but only in those who were experienced web users.  A BBC online article reports on this in more detail.

So, go ahead and add web surfing to your health regimen – doctor’s orders!