For those who do not understand 'the cloud' concept. Here is a short video from an Australian IT Solution News source on the CLOUD 101.
Clouds can be very complex, however businesses use cloud computing for web based services like Email, social networking, video sharing, storage space, and the availability to back-up data off site.
In 2008, the Economist reported that cloud computing "will allow digital technology to penetrate every nook and cranny of the economy and of society, creating some tricky political problems along the way." Regulation of cloud computing and security has become some of these problems.
Germany currently wants their businesses, large and small, to enter into the cloud for online storage specially a German-made cloud. Currently only 12% of business in Germany have cloud storage out of the 3.6 million businesses. Germany is ranked number three of the top 10 countries in world that are advanced in cloud computing according to the EU Observer, the United States follows Germany at number four. Germany's potential for expansion in this industry is exponential.
Another issue Germany is combating is the locality of cloud storage. The United States has tried to customize a US-made cloud produced specific for European countries. However, if German businesses invest in the foreign clouds they are less secure, limiting their data and personal freedom. According to Deutsche Telekom, Germany is working on "a cloud computer model for the German market and in the German Language" as well as creating a European Cloud that will secure information from secret services hacking into information which is problematic with US-made clouds with the Patriot Act currently active.
After the World Economic Forum in January, a proposal for a EU Cloud Strategy is projected to be introduced in mid-2012 for establishing common procedures in the EU. During this initiative Europe will deal with "standardizing the portability of information and the protection and conservation of data," from the Business Software Alliance Report (BSA). Europe accounts for half of the top ten ranked countries.
According to BSA global computing scorecard they believe that their should be a global cloud, that will increase the "harmonization" between all countries and their ability to coordinate international policies and information sharing. A true global cloud would allow ease in transferring and accessing data and software anywhere in the world. This report also states that "all countries, regardless of their level of economic development, could benefit from coordinated policy responses for the government and the public to fully benefit from the cloud."
Other issues with cloud computing globally are there needs to be "strong laws to protect privacy are important to give users confidence" as well as strict security measures. However, implementing censorship could halt the development of a global cloud which would be poor for the advancement of availability of information sharing like China currently has in their limitations of Internet usage. For information to freely be accessed the topics of, national or regional laws are being discussed.
With Germany wanting to "put a wall around the country to limit the provision of cloud services to companies that are solely located in Germany" can put a dent in the availability of the world's data. Restrictive barriers only create obstacles and limit the evolution of cloud computing.
In todays world the information and technology industry is growing and the dependance of easy fast access is increasing. The Economist portrays the consumer-industrial complex has encouraged businesses and organizations to embrace the cloud which always an increase cost savings. Cutting costs in information storage can ultimately affect the national economic stability.
What implications does a European cloud have on the US cloud industries? How would international policies affect the competition between the soon to be competing markets?