Increasing internet speeds and connectivity available make the cloud more appealing, it has been claimed.

Mitch Joel, a business author and president of marketing agency Twist Image, wrote in a column for The Gazette that these factors have been pivotal in terms of the gradual adoption of cloud hosting options among commercial organisations.

However he stressed that it is not just added functionality of business software that is helping to encourage greater uptake.

Joel explained that certain security issues become simpler in the cloud, saying: "Not only is all of the data and customization also stored securely online, but when the company updates the software or fixes bugs, the platform is simply updated and the long hard work of having to update each and every workstation goes the way of the dodo bird."

Editor-at-large of InformationWeek Charles Babcock agreed that the cloud offers opportunities for businesses. In his view, a move to the cloud allows for a greater degree of "tweaking" of operations and services, with many established brands already taking this step.

He claimed the ability to easily make minor alterations could mean major improvements to supply chains and potentially changes to the way firms approach their industries in the future.