Brussels, 16/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - What is the best way to benefit from “cloud computing”? The European Commission launched a citizen's consultation on Monday 16 May in order to answer this question and to guide the work on the digital strategy that it will introduce next year. The consultation will involve citizens, companies and other stakeholders, and will take place online (http: //ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch) until 31 July.
Cloud computing enables companies, public administrations and individuals, using networks such as the internet, to access their data and software on computers located somewhere else. It can help businesses - especially SMEs - to reduce information technology costs drastically, help governments supply services at a lower cost and save energy by making more efficient use of hardware. Cloud computing is already used widely, for example for web-based e-mail services. This trend is growing and cloud services are expected to generate revenues of almost €35 billion in Europe by 2014. Promoting the right conditions for citizens and businesses to best benefit from this technical development is one of the actions foreseen by the Digital Agenda for Europe.
The consultation launched on Monday invites all interested parties to explain their experience, needs, expectations and insights into the use and provision of cloud computing. The survey seeks feedback on the following 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.
The results of the consultation will feed into a European cloud computing strategy that the Commission will present in 2012. This strategy will aim to clarify the legal conditions for the take-up of cloud computing in Europe, stimulate the development of a competitive European cloud industry and market, and facilitate the roll-out of innovative cloud computing services for citizens and businesses. (O.L./transl.fl)