Cloud computing will play a major role in tomorrow’s economy, creating new jobs and growth. It has to be ensured that there will be sufficient supply of cloud computing facilities and services so that European companies of all sizes and government institutions can use these to develop innovative services.

The Commission is preparing a European Cloud Computing Strategy considering demand and supply side concerns: the legal framework, the technical and commercial fundamentals and the market. It is going to help the delivery of Cloud Computing in Europe within a framework that gives certainty to users and providers. The strategy has been the subject of extensive consultations throughout 2011. In addition to a public, web-based consultation, a select group of high-level executives was invited to advise on the scope and orientation of such a strategy. Further hearings were held with specific interest groups: Users, SMEs and telecommunication providers. This year, 2012, a Cloud Computing Strategy for Europe will be put on the table making Europe not only cloud-friendly but cloud active.

The European Strategy has four lines of approach: Firstly, it brings together the different legislative and regulatory areas in the EU and make a coherent policy area for Cloud Computing. Secondly, the European Cloud Partnership announced by Vice President Neelie Kroes in Davos this year will align current public sector initiatives. This will pull together efforts which are fragmented and inadequate and create a substantial coherent market that could assist EU-based industry to improve on current commercial offers. Thirdly, the strategy will use stimulation measures to support training and awareness, research and standardisation. Finally, Cloud Computing is a global phenomenon and there is a need to work internationally to try to make a common framework.

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Moderators: Carmela Asero