Cloud computing is an idea 'whose time has come', it has been claimed.

According to a recent study by Frost & Sullivan, the majority of businesses have either entered discussion regarding cloud computing or have already deployed the technology.

The trend comes despite Frost & Sullivan highlighting speculation that the technology is 'yet another vaporware'.

Arun Chandrasekaran, research manager at the organisation, explained: 'There is a growing awareness amongst consumers and enterprises to access their information technology resources extensively through a 'utility' model, a development broadly called 'cloud computing'.

'Cloud represents the next wave in the computing industry, as it strives to eliminate inherent inefficiencies in the existing IT architecture and deliver 'IT as a service' to the end-users.'

The survey also showed that almost 25 per cent of enterprises currently use some form of cloud computing, while more than 50 per cent believe that the technology can help businesses reduce their infrastructure costs and lower capital expenditure investment