EU must not adopt 'Fortress Europe' approach to the cloud
EU must not adopt 'Fortress Europe' approach to the cloud
The European Commission says the EU nations must not turn their backs on cloud computing and warned that a ‘Fortress Europe’ approach to the technology would not work.
The briefing follows concerns about the use of the controversial Prism programme to access private communications. It said Europe must aim to become ‘the most secure and trusted region’ for cloud computing but it would be wrong to adopt national or Europe-only clouds, as this would leave the EU trailing other parts of the world.
The EC admits that most national governments would prefer a more local approach because of laws preventing the sharing of certain data outside of their own countries. But it warned that regionalising the cloud would ultimately damage the European economy.
“National level initiatives in particular where the software systems are adapted to local circumstances will not achieve a scale of roll out that would unlock the full economic benefits of cloud computing,” the briefing said.
“A larger market will increase competition and value for money, and reduce costs."
European cloud companies will also benefit from trading in the international market. It said the continent’s cloud businesses are currently “far from being market leaders” and must operate globally to prevent a digital divide with other parts of the world. Customers and suppliers will also benefit from this approach, the EC said.
However, it admitted that trust in the cloud has been affected by revelations about the US National Security Agency’s Prism software, which can be used to access private emails and communications. The EC warned that businesses already concerned about the security of the cloud are now even more suspicious, and this could reduce the adoption of the cloud and leave Europe “lagging behind”.
But the briefing said that Europe can win a competitive advantage because of the scandal by ensuring secure standards for data protection.
It said: "Trust can be restored with more transparency and the use of high standards. A better overview of standards, certification of the use of those standards and safe and fair contract terms for cloud computing are essential."
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.
