Contractors would do well to ensure they have the technical skills required by the move towards cloud computing.

According to a new study, IT professionals believe that security and a lack of technical know-how will be the biggest factors hindering the adoption of cloud-based platforms.

Frost & Sullivan, conducting research for the (ISC)2 Global Information Security Workforce Study, found that 73 per cent of respondents believe cloud computing requires new skills of security professionals.

Half identified the importance of contract negotiation skills, while the vast majority thought a detailed understanding of cloud computing was essential, as well as enhanced technical knowledge.

"It is surprising to see such an emphasis on technology and detail when we are looking at a trend involving outsourcing the management of it," said Robert Ayoub, lead analyst of the study.

"The instinct to develop skills for the new operational dynamic introduced by cloud computing may still be elusive for many."