European Cloud Computing Guidelines
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Written on 15
January 2015
The European Commission has published standardised guidelines
on cloud computing service level agreements which contain the essential
terms for inclusion in such agreements entered into in the EU.
Representatives from several technology giants, including Amazon,
Google, IBM, Microsoft and SAP assisted in drawing up the guidelines,
which are targeted at SMEs. Cloud computing has revolutionised the
delivery of critical IT infrastructure to businesses, although the
legal framework to govern such agreements has primarily evolved from
existing laws. As such, laws across the EU may vary widely, which has
led to calls for standardisation of these agreements.
The guidelines address key issues relating to performance,
security, data management and data protection, all of which are key
terms in any cloud service level agreement. This standardisation is
aimed at making it easier for customers to get to grips with the
services offered by providers, as well as comparing offerings from
competing suppliers. This may, in turn, lead to increased adoption of
cloud based solutions, as businesses are increasingly looking to cut
costs by moving away from traditional IT system structures.
However, the guidelines are at present entirely voluntary and
therefore rely on suppliers opting in of their own volition. There is a
clear argument that standardisation will become necessary as cloud
based agreements become the norm. However, many suppliers may wish to
delay this insofar as this is possible, preferring instead to take
advantage of a market where regulation is currently less restrictive
and the balance of power arguably favouring the suppliers. One thing is
clear, however, the European Commission has identified cloud computing
as an area of significant growth and much of its future efforts will
clearly be aimed at regulating this rapidly evolving marketplace.
Written by Aasim Durrani
About the Author
Lawdit
Solicitors offer services and advice for litigation,
commercial contracts, Intellectual Property and IT legal agreements. We
are experts in commercial law with a heavy emphasis on Intellectual
Property, Internet and e-commerce law. Lawdit is a member of the
International Trademark Association, the Solicitors' Association of
Higher Court Advocates and we are the appointed Solicitors to the
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2015-02-23 09:00:19 in Legal Articles
