This archived TechRepublic Premium report, originally published in April 2015, is available for free to registered TechRepublic members. For all the latest research reports, 100+ ready-made policies, IT job descriptions, and more, check out TechRepublic Premium.

From the report:

Cloud computing is a familiar phrase within the technology industry, but the diverse amount of services it involves makes it something of a blanket term. Like the general eld of medicine, there are subcategories of cloud functionality such as Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS), Platform as a Service (PAAS) and Software as a Service (SAAS). There are also different blends of cloud computing such as private, public, and hybrid.

One up-and-coming element within the realm of the cloud is the industry cloud, which operates within a vertical space (think detailed depth rather than broad all-purpose utility) revolving around specialized processes: tools, technologies, and business services uniquely tailored to a specific industry, such as healthcare, education or nance. Industry cloud services are generally managed and provided by experts who
understand the targeted industry, and the products and services offered are geared to meet the unique needs of that industry. Think of it as a more turnkey way of embracing or migrating to the cloud. The most important word that can be applied here is “specialization.”

Once, industry cloud companies were considered too niche to
produce significant results and were therefore overlooked, but that
perspective is now changing rapidly. Part of the attraction is the
vertical component, which enables industry cloud vendors to
attract and capture a larger market share more quickly via specific
functions. Horizontal solutions require an “all things to all people” mentality, which is a great deal of ground to cover. However, focusing on a specific vertical area enables vendors to build success if they can produce solutions that are seen as the industry standard.

TechRepublic Premium conducted a survey in February 2015 to gather data regarding the use of industry cloud services, including respondent choices, budgets, decision-making priorities and areas of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. We found numerous insights into how industry cloud services are faring, which vendors are popular, and how investments are being made and paying off. The results clearly indicate that as it gains traction the industry cloud is shaping up to be the next frontier of the technology and business worlds.