Expert: Software-as-a-Service Will Continue Growth Next Year

Cloud computing exploded onto the IT landscape in 2011, as companies realized the cost-saving and efficiency advantages the technology can provide organizations in every industry. However, as more enterprises transition data and applications to the cloud, providers will cater new cloud solutions to businesses' needs.

In a recent Forbes column, technology expert Carl Eberling examines the current cloud computing market and makes IT industry predictions for the coming 12 months.

According to Eberling, Software-as-a-Service growth will fuel more widespread adoption of cloud-based services. The report said businesses will increasingly use SaaS for shared enterprise applications like messaging, customer relationship management and human resources. The rise of SaaS will also help average consumers understand cloud computing and its benefits, as many computer users engage in cloud-based activities without even realizing they're in a cloud environment.

Eberling also predicts the rising use of cloud-based applications and mobile devices will force IT departments to modify how they create and implement on-site security solutions with an eye toward compliance regulations.

"The proliferation of devices has made it increasingly difficult to manage the things users require to gain access to a corporate network, its printers and applications; but, by driving greater automation into these processes, IT also will have to ensure that compliance is managed and reported in an equally efficient manner," Eberling explained.

With employees' increasing desire to connect to company applications and services via laptaps and mobile devices, SaaS is expected to greatly expand. According to a recent Gartner study, 95 percent of companies plan to maintain or grow their SaaS spending. Meanwhile, recent research from Yankee Group revealed SaaS adoption has nearly doubled in during 2011.