Expert group begins work on cloud regulations
Expert group begins work on cloud regulations
An expert group has been set up by the European Commission to develop contract terms for cloud computing across the EU.
Thirty members, including businesses, academics and lawyers are looking to draw up "safe and fair contract terms and conditions for cloud computing services for consumers and small firms". The group is due to report its recommendations next spring for use in the EC’s policy towards cloud computing. Businesses will have the choice of whether they want to adopt the contract terms for their own dealings in the cloud.
A lack of clear guidelines on the legal terms and data protection issues associated with cloud usage has been blamed by commentators for a slower than hoped for take up of the technology across the EU. It’s hoped the creation of model contracts will boost confidence and business trust in the cloud.
The EC said: “Model contract terms can help to facilitate contractual arrangements between cloud computing service providers and consumers and small firms.
“They can also facilitate the application of EU data protection rules to the extent that they are relevant to cloud computing contracts.”
Once the expert team has reported its recommendations, a consultation will be held on the way forward for the technology in Europe, Outlaw.com reported.
The work will form part of the EC’s Unleashing the Potential of Cloud Computing in Europe strategy, which was announced last year.
The Commission’s Vice President Viviane Reding believes that the cloud has the potential to created around 2.5 million new jobs across the EU.
But she said it is essential that SMEs have more confidence in the technology. The aim of the working group is to create guidelines that will provide businesses with a regulatory framework they can trust.
Ms Reding said: “Trust is bankable – citizens need to be able to trust that the services they use are fair and reliable.”
Businesses looking to move services into the cloud, should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.
