Cloud computing providers should adopt a similar approach to the telecommunications industry when charging for IT services, it has been suggested.
According to industry analyst IDC, putting a value on IT services transactions will be a critical first step for cloud computing infrastructure projects.
Elisabeth Rainge, director of next generation operations at the company, said: "The investment in billing systems for cloud computing is drawing upon the rigor, scale, and technology experience of the telecommunications industry."
She added that the firm views the telecommunications industry expertise as highly relevant to cloud hosting providers when it comes to billing their clients.
The company went on to say that the developing new generation of business and consumer customers is putting pressure on cloud computing firms to take a critical look at their billing options.
This week, data centre services provider iomart Group stressed that the benefits provided by cloud computing are particularly relevant in the current economic climate.