Midsized companies put IT in clouds

Spending by mid-sized companies on upgrades to their information research systems is increasing for the first time in years, according to a recent study by IBM. And most mid-sized companies are using their IT investment to move their companies into the "cloud."

The IBM survey of more than 2,000 companies

The IBM survey of more than 2,000 companies, with between 99 and 1,000 employees, found that 53 percent have increased their IT budget in 2012 and about two-thirds have either adopted, or plan to adopt, cloud computing into one or more aspects of their operations.

Cloud computing in substance means storing data and software somewhere else and accessing it via the Internet, instead of storing it on servers at company facilities. Mid-sized business says they are adopting cloud computing to reduce costs, make their IT systems more manageable and decrease operational redundancies.

Companies of all sizes should move toward cloud computing and other IT investments with caution. Often, IT projects take longer than they should, cost more money than budgeted and do not accomplish project objectives.

The company's strategic plan

• IT strategies align with the company's strategic plan and support increases in both profitability and revenue.