The Cloud Industry Forum has warmly welcomed the news that the European Commission has launched a public consultation on the benefits that cloud computing can deliver.
Launched by Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President for the Digital Agenda, the consultation is seeking views from citizens, businesses, public administrations and other interested parties on how to fully benefit from ‘cloud computing’.
Andy Burton, Chair of the Cloud Industry Forum and CEO of Fasthosts, stated: “It is now clear that interest in the Cloud computing model is reaching the very highest levels of awareness amongst our lawmakers, be that here in the UK or indeed, in Europe. CIF has already presented evidence to one of the key Select Committees in the House of Commons here in the UK, and is now preparing to submit evidence as part of this major consultation process.
“The EU consultation is inviting all interested parties, in particular cloud developers and cloud users, to explain their experience, needs, expectations and insights into the use and provision of cloud computing. We have recently announced the findings of our own extensive research into the trends and adoption rates of cloud computing here in the UK, which I believe will be of tremendous interest to the Commission,” he added.
In a statement issued Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President for the Digital Agenda, said: “I am excited about the potential benefits of cloud computing to cut costs, improve services and open up new business opportunities. We need a well-defined cloud computing strategy to ensure that we make the best use of this potential. The input we are requesting from all interested parties is important to get it right.”
Andy Burton continued: “I am convinced that the Cloud will present a number of opportunities for the European telecoms and IT sectors, as well as for users of those services. This is why we will actively participate in this consultation exercise over the next few months.”
The consultation is looking for specific feedback on a number of particular issues:
- data protection and liability questions, in particular in cross-border situations;
- other legal and technical barriers that can slow down the development of cloud computing in Europe;
- standardisation and interoperability solutions;
- uptake of cloud services, in particular by SMEs;
- ways to promote research and innovation in cloud computing.
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