EC seeks cloud feedback

Euro body launches public consultation to ensure full exploitation of cloud benefits

The launch of a European Commission-led (EC) public consultation into the benefits of cloud computing has won the backing of the channel.

The consultation will be used to garner feedback from members of the public, businesses and other interested parties on the legal, technical and data protection issues that could stunt cloud growth.

The results from this will be used by the EC to draw up a Europe-wide strategy document aimed at helping users and businesses take advantage of the economic benefits of cloud.

Neelie Kroes, EC 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 [and] the input we are requesting from all interested parties is important to get it right," added Kroes.

Andy Burton, chair of self-regulating cloud body the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), said the group would actively participate in the consultation process.

"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," he said.

"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," he added.