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The cloud – why is Europe lagging behind?

25th Jun 2012
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When it comes to using the cloud there is big interest in Europe. However, it’s still not as popular as it is in the US, in fact, it’s set to lag behind by at least two years. So why is there this delay?

According to experts from the world’s leading IT research and advisory company, Gartner, there are several barriers.

Firstly, as data privacy regulations are constantly changing, it’s deterring companies from moving their personal data into the cloud. Security issues are a big worry for many companies, which could explain why some European businesses are choosing not to make the move to the cloud.

Secondly, different business processes across 40 European countries make it difficult to effectively integrate the cloud into multinational enterprises.

Thirdly, the EU legislative process is very slow and varies widely across the Union. For example, with the legislation concerning e-invoicing, there was a delay because different countries had different requirements.

Fourthly, the Eurozone crisis means that major investments have been put on hold and companies have delayed making strategic and game-changing decisions.

Taking these reasons into account, it’s perhaps clear to see why European companies are being cautious. However, given the current economic climate, it could be argued that organisations should be taking advantage of the cloud and its benefits.

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By User deleted
25th Jun 2012 17:56

Was this always the case ...

Or was the Uk in the fore front of ASP/SaaS during the early days (late 1990's/early 2000)

Seem to recall (maybe incorrect) that the UK was pretty much leading this area with innovation whilst the US was lagging. This was especially the case with M$ and the various attempts by Apple to implement a workable Cloud

In fairness US companie have got their act together & the number of larger US corps. driving users down the Cloud route is far greater than in Europe (i.e. Apple Cloud, Google Opendocs, M$ Online servcies) which instils a mindset in the user - does Europe have the equivalent companies doing the same - probably not?

Security may be a big issue but is not helped by Government bodies (ICO etc) - when was the last time they issued a severe penalty, not a slap on the wrist, over infringement. Even today they have made a complete foul up over Google and privacy etc. and are about to/have? done a U turn over harvesting details via personal wi-fi (Google - we didn't mean to its was an honest/mistake! despite the fact they had an entire department working on achieving just this - the only mistake Google made was getting caught). Nevertheless, fining them 1 years gross revenue and restricting their presence in the UK for 3 years should be a wake-up call for them (won't happen)

We all know that the EU doesn't have joined up thinking and it has been apparent for many years - but is there a solution to this; again probably not because it is in the politicians court?

Eurozone crisis - is in part related to the lack of a coherent policy and the total inability of member politicians to make a long term decision

So without a fundamental change in the Eurozone which stifles progress, can any headway be made?

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By User deleted
26th Jun 2012 00:15

May be also ...

... the fact we are more mature, and think things through, and are not gung-ho profit is God capitalists mean we approach things with a degree more pragmatism.

Topical in that so many poor fools felt like the world had ended just because Natwest and a few cronies had a bad hair day or 2! - all appled up and nowhere to go - ha ha! 

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