The transition of cloud computing from advanced technology to standard utility is happening faster than once projected. Soon, cloud computing may no longer be a luxury possessed by forward-thinking companies with innovative IT departments. It may simply become a necessity for conducting business.

A number of factors are fueling this charge. Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategies – spurred by advancements in mobile technology – are giving employees the ability to conduct business from anywhere at any time. Cloud computing allows them to share, store and access content and data from their personal devices.

The cloud also provides a secure offsite location for companies to store sensitive information, reducing the risk of targeted attacks. As more businesses become aware of these benefits, more will adopt the cloud. As it becomes more popular, it will become more of a standard system.

An article in ZDNet examines the current state of the cloud, and likens it to the early days of electricity. Jack Clark, the author of the article, suggests that as time goes on, the need for cloud computing will be no different than the need for heat, electricity or hot water. However, it will increase the importance of investing in the best solution.

“In the same way that in the early days of electricity there were arguments over whether AC or DC delivered the ‘best type of electricity’, the technology industry continues to debate the merits of certain technologies over others for delivering cloud computing,” Clark writes. “However, these arguments are growing less fervent as data center infrastructure is commoditized and homogenized by large cloud providers.”

Businesses looking to improve their daily operations will soon have no choice but to implement a cloud computing solution. Determining the best technologies to operate a cloud system can be challenging, but working with an IT services provider allows companies to acquire the tools and knowledge needed to make the best investments.