Cloud computing is an evolving technology that has increased in popularity during the past two years but has struggled to shed some negative myths. Jeff Kaplan writes on Datamation.com that in order for businesses to have more faith in the technology and move forward in it, there should be some peer networking to help decision makers easily take advantage of the cloud.

"Rather than relying on analyst reports or mega-conferences to learn about the players, products or principles associated with the Cloud marketplace, smart CIOs are gravitating to smaller venues where they can interact with their peers who are evolving their own best practices to achieve Cloud success," Kaplan said on the website. "Even Cloud vendors are finding it is essential to gather with each other to share experiences and trade ideas about what’s working and what’s not in today’s rapidly changing competitive landscape."

He suggests that CIOs, IT employees and others interested in the technology should come to cloud computing events, talk with industry experts and learn more about the technology and its uses in business.

Taking the time to learn about cloud computing could go a long way. A poll by CDW found that at least 25 percent of small businesses have virtualized at least some of their servers with positive effects on costs, efficiency and more. If this were utilized by more businesses, more money could conceivably be saved.