Cloud computing is reaching a new level of maturity whereby providers are required to deliver services to fit-for-purpose models, according to an executive at Hewlett Packard.

TechDay spoke to David Fox, head of enterprise could services for HP South Pacific, at the technology giant’s Technology@Work function in Auckland this week, where he was the keynote speaker.

Fox says he has seen an evolution of the market in recent times.

"It’s no longer a matter of to cloud or not to cloud,” Fox says.

"Customers are wanting more, and we are having to deliver cloud services that are fit for purpose.

"There is no longer just the public cloud, there are clouds for enterprises, clouds for government, all sorts.”

The important thing for businesses is to maintain sound business practices and not get caught up in the hype, Fox says.

"Managers need to make sure they are looking at their return on investment, they have clear expectations and they maintain accountability.”

For more thoughts on cloud computing, read TechDay's story on the launch of VMWare's cloud infrastructure suite.