EU calls for major investment in the cloud

EU calls for major investment in the cloud

The European Union is calling on businesses and Government bodies to make major investments into the cloud computing sector.

The push comes as part of a bid by the EU to increase employment opportunities and to stimulate economic growth across Europe.

According to EUobserver, The European Commission's cloud computing strategy suggests that a £36 billion investment into the cloud computing arena could lead to a boost to gross domestic product of £720 billion. The initial investment could also lead to the creation of 3.8 million jobs across Europe, the body says.

The strategy also calls for ‘greater cooperation’ throughout the EU in order to help construct a ‘trusted cloud environment in Europe.’

Due to be published next week by Neelie Kroes, the European Commission vice-president, who is responsible for the Digital Agenda, the report does now suggest a ‘European Super Cloud’ for the public sector as many had believed it would.

Public Service Europe reported that cloud computing has been described as a possible ‘game changer’ for the ailing economy, however, despite these positive suggestions, there remain concerns over the security of storing data.

Due to these security concerns, part of the EU's new data protection laws – which have been suggested by Viviane Reding, commission vice-president – contain a proposed regulation to ensure that the cloud remains a safe place in which to store data.

Some IT experts also feel that many businesses are not ready to adopt the new cloud-based technology, as there remains a lack of education and awareness amongst organisations about the cloud concept. Senior analyst at information security firm KuppingerCole, Mike Small, told Public Service Europe, “Many organisations are sleepwalking into the cloud.”

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