Europe lagging behind US in cloud computing uptake

Europe lagging behind US in cloud computing uptake

Research by Gartner has found European adoption of cloud computing will probably lag behind US uptake by at least two years, this is mainly due to concerns over data security and regulatory obstacles.

On of the analysts at Gartner, Paolo Malinverno, suggested that privacy laws make is more difficult for businesses to take up cloud computing here. The report stated, "The opportunities for cloud computing value are valid all over the world, and the same is true for some of the risks and costs. However, some of cloud computing's potential risks and costs - namely security, transparency and integration - which are generally applicable worldwide, take on a different meaning in Europe.’

However, US firms also have to adhere to regulations such as the Patriot Act. Meanwhile, European firms that store data in the cloud are responsible for this data, regardless of where it is stored. Mr Malinverno added that EU regulations sometimes make it difficult for firms outside the EU to work with firms within the EU, which has also held back the proliferation of cloud computing. He explained, "In a fast growing new market such as cloud computing, diversity makes achieving the required critical mass more difficult and significantly slows down the execution of players wanting to offer cloud services throughout Europe,"

However, cloud computing holds many advantages for business in Europe and can help firms to save money by reducing reliance on expensive equipment and maintenance.

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.