UK government throws support behind cloud computing

Monday, November 29, 2010

The UK government recently took note of the potential economic benefits offered by the cloud, according to a recent Computerworld UK report.

Speaking at the recent UK-China Internet Forum, Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said the cloud has the capacity to reduce costs for businesses. However, he also noted the technology has data security concerns that need to be addressed.

"Cloud computing is a good illustration of the need for international cooperation to ensure the very important developments on the internet that hold great potential for both our countries are taken forward," Vaizey said.

Appropriately, on the same day Vaizey made his comments, a new code of practice designed to provide transparency and accountability in the cloud was launched at the Cloud Industry Forum, Computerworld reports.

"We firmly believe that the market needs a credible and certifiable code of practice that provides transparency of cloud services such that consumers can have clarity and confidence in their choice of provider," said Andy Burton, chairman of CIF. "The market now has that benchmark."

The European Union has also decided to take a more supportive stance regarding the cloud. According to IDG News Service, the EU recently announced it is funding a three-year research project to boost cloud security.