The term ‘cloud computing’, is everywhere, but what does it mean? It is simply, the delivery of on-demand computing services from application to storage and processing power, via the internet, with Pay-As-You-Go pricing. The cloud is, just a metaphor, for the Internet. One benefit of using cloud computing services is that, firms can avoid the upfront costs and complexities of owning and maintaining their own IT infrastructure. Instead, they simply pay for what they use, when they use it.
In turn, providers of cloud computing services, can benefit from significant economies of scale, by delivering the same services to a wide range of customers.
I recently had a discussion with Oyaje Idoko, CEO, Layer3, a cloud service outfit, and he explains, why we need a strong cloud industry and lots more, on Tech Trends on Channels Television.
CFA: Why do we need cloud computing in Nigeria?
Oyaje: Cloud computing offers a lot of advantages for customers and businesses of all kinds. One, it allows them, quick access to computer resources that, ordinarily, they may not have been able to afford.
Secondly, it takes the burden of managing a computer infrastructure and data centres, off businesses and allows them to fit in with the cloud service providers and give them available options of different computer environment and different locations to host their data and access their data, in real time.
CFA: Can you give us an overview of the cloud market in Nigeria, today?
Oyaje: Nigerian cloud market is growing and prior to the past three years, we had issues with data centre availability and even, cloud service providers, with the proliferation of data centres in Nigeria, within the past 3 to 5 years. We have seen an upsurge and uptake of cloud services within the country.
It is still not where we want it to be, however, the confidence in cloud service providers is growing on a daily basis.
First of all, we are seeing a correlation between the growth in the technology start-ups scene and cloud service adoption, but it is still far from where we want it to be, relative to the western part of the world. A whole lot more, needs to be done, by the government, as well as organizations and companies, to make the adoption, a lot faster.
You can watch the full interview here
