Gartner Research

Survey Analysis: Consumers Avoid Cloud Storage

Published: 31 May 2011

ID: G00213330

Analyst(s): Vishal Tripathi, Tracy Tsai

Summary

Consumers are increasingly sharing and accessing data through websites. But our recent survey indicates that consumers still prefer to store data locally versus in the cloud. This report indicates opportunities for providers of PCs, tablets, storage devices and services.

Table Of Contents
  • Overview

Survey Objective

  • Definitions

Data Insights

  • Consumers Prefer Local Storage to the Cloud
    • PCs Remain the Major Storage Preference
    • External Hard Drive Is Second Preferred Storage Devices in Mature Markets
    • USB Flash Drive and Flash Memory Are Second Preferred Devices in Emerging Markets
    • Other Than PCs, Burned and Bought CD/DVDs Together Are Preferred for Video and Music Storage
    • Storage on the Cloud Ranks Lowest in All Markets
  • Storage Preferences by Consumer Segments
  • Storage Preferences by Consumer Demographics
  • Factors Affecting Consumer Storage Preferences
    • Standard Interfaces
    • Comparative Cost of Storage Alternatives
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy and Security
  • Emerging Cloud Applications and Devices May Change Storage Preferences
    • Social Networks Motivate Consumers to Create Content, Necessitating More Storage
    • Online Content Service Decreases Need for Local Storage
    • Emerging Cloud Devices Accelerate Storage Both Locally and on Web
  • Conclusions

Methodology

Recommended Reading

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