Cloud Storage Services to Touch 500M Users by Year End

The number of internet users accessing both free & paid cloud storage services has shot up to 375 million according to the current figures. If the estimate brought out by market intelligence research firm iHS iSuppli is to be believed, this figure will rise up to 500 million by the end of 2012. Thereport in TechCrunch cites the statement made by consumer & communications director of iHS iSuppli Mr. Jagdish Rebello, who is of the opinion that cloud services have come as a “game changer” in the world of mobile marketing. It offers benefits to not only users but also the service providers.

 

The estimate brought out by iHS iSuppli clearly proves that cloud services rose to popularity in the year 2011 when more than 150 million users of the internet made subscriptions. Though the firm admits that a specific count cannot be stated for the number of users of cloud storage services in the year 2011 due to the newness of the concept, there is certainly evidence to prove that cloud storage service customers will surpass the 500 million & 625 million mark in years 2012 & 2013 respectively.

 

This report posted just yesterday is indicative of the fact that though the number of cloud storage service users is increasing by the day, the cost involved in providing these services is by no way reducing. Both technology giants like Apple, Microsoft, & Google and startup units like SugarSync, Dropbox, & Mozy will incur huge costs in providing these services to internet users. While the giants have accepted the loss as a start in the process of popularizing the concept of cloud storage services, the startup units have decided to offer free storage space as part of the cloud services in order to attract more customers, thereby increasing the user base. As part of reduction of costs in providing cloud storage services, all companies are now partnering with mobile network operators, says the reporting team of iHS iSuppli.

 

While the future looks bright for cloud storage services, it is also true that independent providers of the service will face severe difficulties to maintain financial viability. It is yet to be seen how well the increasing number of cloud storage service users are catered to.