The EU has recently called for an open and standardised approach to cloud computing technology to make it easier for end users to change their provider and make the cloud market fair, open and competitive.
Neil Cross, Managing Director of Advanced 365, says, “As a cloud computing provider, we welcome the EU’s calls for a standardised approach to the cloud. If these proposals are successfully implemented, they have the potential to accelerate cloud adoption throughout Europe and enable more organisations to access state-of-the-art technology on demand.”
Cross continues, “However, given that there are a number of major IT organisations who have a vested interest in shaping the future of the cloud, the EU is likely to face opposition to making its proposals come to fruition in the near term.”
While SMEs have been cautious in adopting the cloud to date, on-demand applications are generally expected to become increasingly popular as they enable users to access state of the art IT services, as and when they are needed, removing many of the overheads typical of in-house IT management
Cross comments, “At present many SMEs remain unsure of what the cloud is, which could lead to them being left behind by their competitors. Our concern is that they will decide to put their cloud computing plans on hold indefinitely until the EU’s proposals are finalised - which could take years.”
Cross adds, “Whilst a standardised approach would be of benefit, the reality is that implementing cloud computing models represents a major time-critical IT project which organisations cannot afford to get wrong.”
“It is essential that SMEs work with a trusted adviser who has the expertise to recommend which cloud computing models represent the best fit for their business and IT strategies, both for today and for the future.”