Open Access & Interoperability
Interoperability needs to work in a way that addresses customer needs first, regardless of the underlying technology platform. Interoperability based on open standards must also exist between legacy on-premises systems and off-premises, Cloud-based systems and services. Where technology "lock-in" prevents interoperability or confers unfair competitive advantage to a particular provider, authorities should intervene to ensure that undistorted competition and cross-system interoperability are maintained.
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The shift from on-premises computing to computing provided as services "at a distance", often called 'Cloud Computing', requires systems and services to operate together or "interoperate". Where voluntary standards can be developed they should allow the market to meet customer requirements over different underlying technology platforms and computer systems.
One of the key risks to Cloud computing services is the quality and performance of the underlying telecommunications links. Whether this is an issue of latency, committed information rates, or failure to supply high quality engineering at reasonable rates, the inadequacy of the infrastructure will impede Cloud Computing. The underinvestment and restricted provisioning that characterises incumbent telecommunications businesses may derive from their underlying strategies that seek to maximise returns at the expense of customers and competition. Abuse of dominance cases have been taken against many EU incumbents and as abuse is identified it requires swift remedies whether through anti trust law enforcement or regulatory action. Telecommunications access is a common issue of common concern for the OCA and one we will monitor closely as a key factor affecting the development of the market for Cloud Computing.
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February 7, 2012 
(Business Cloud News)
The UK Government is expected to announce around 250 successful suppliers for its cloud computing procurement initiative, G-Cloud, a source close to the process has told Business Cloud News. An official announcement on winning bids is expected to be provided by Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, on 13th February, next Monday.
Click here to read the article.
January 31, 2012 
(Business Cloud News) blog post by Ian Bergin, Cloud Evangelist
While SOPA has created plenty of exposure and led to much positive action in the US of late, Ireland still awaits a governmental ruling that could yet have a detrimental effect on the country’s bid to become a centre of cloud computing excellence (and a whole lot more). One of our guest bloggers, Ian Bergin, has been at the centre of the ‘Stop SOPA Ireland’ campaign, and explains why he thinks the potential ruling could prove so disastrous for his country's future online economy.
Click here to read the blog post.
January 27, 2012 
(Business Cloud News)
The Digital Agenda Commissioner for Europe, Neelie Kroes, has announced that the European Commission will give €10m towards a new Cloud Computing Partnership, to try and help aid “flagging economies” on the continent.
Click here to read the article.
January 23, 2012 
(Business Cloud News)
Andy Nelson has been appointed the new CIO for UK Government, replacing Joe Harley who announced his retirement late last year. Nelson will retain his position as CIO for the Ministry of Justice alongside the new role, and will be closely involved with the current procurement process for the Government’s G-Cloud initiative.
Click here to read the article.
January 14, 2012 
Blog post by Vice-President of the European Commission, Neelie Kroes
...After 12 months of intensive discussions and consultations, I am currently preparing the first in a series of concrete announcements related to the European Cloud Computing Strategy. I want Europe to be not only cloud-friendly but cloud-active: the right common rules could enhance cloud development, but the wrong choices on data protection would cut off lots of potential uses and business offerings before they’ve even started. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, I will announce a concrete project aimed at making it easier for buyers – particularly public sector buyers – to cooperate on requirement definitions and possibly pool their resources when procuring Cloud Computing services.
Click here to read Neelie Kroes' complete blog entry.