UK climbs to fourth in cloud league table

UK's data protection strategy sees it shoot up BSA's cloud ranking

The UK has been ranked fourth in a study assessing the cloud readiness of the world's largest economies, climbing the most places of the 24 countries included.

The study by trade body Business Software Alliance (BSA) scored countries based on the policies and infrastructure in place to facilitate moves to the cloud, with the UK climbing up the rankings from ninth place in the previous report.

The research was based on 72 questions related to cloud computing, with the countries given a final points tally based on the answers given.

Germany finished top of the pile with 84 points, followed by Japan and the US with 82.1 points and 82 points respectively. The UK was just behind with 81.8 points, but saw the biggest leap (five places) of any country included.

The UK was specifically praised for its strong data protection laws ahead of GDPR's implementation, and the National Cyber Security Strategy which saw the UK score stronger than the other 23 economies for security.

Victoria Espinel, CEO at BSA, said: "The scorecard is a tool that can help countries constructively self-evaluate their policies and determine next steps to increase adoption of cloud computing.

"Cloud computing allows anyone to access technology previously available only to large organisations, paving the way for increased connectivity and innovation.

"Countries that embrace the free flow of data, implement cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, protect intellectual property, and establish IT infrastructure will continue to reap the benefits of cloud computing for businesses and citizens alike."