With a greater variety of smart computing devices, consumers are able to access software as a service to process and store information in remote data centres that are increasingly powerful and efficient. Utilizing computing resources in “the cloud”, far from a consumer’s home or place of business, has become an attractive way to save money while also expanding productivity. European businesses, in particular SMEs, are already taking advantage of cloud computing to innovate, reach wider markets, reduce costs, and become more competitive.
As we all seek to capture the benefits that cloud technology provides, we must at the same time build confidence in the expanding use of remote computing services. Interests in security, privacy, availability and interoperability of data remain fundamental to users. 

Microsoft is hosting this series of roundtable discussions to bring together European and national policy makers, industry representatives and other experts to discuss the prospects of and barriers to cloud computing. 

We hope that you will be able to join us. Please contact cloud@apcoworldwide.com with any questions and to register for any of the events.

1st December 2009: Future of the Internet: Cloud Computing and Interoperability

The Internet infrastructure continues to be a vital resource for European businesses, small and large, and its evolution is a direct interest to policymakers interested in economic growth prospects. Emerging cloud computing technologies enhance the capabilities for European companies to scale up their businesses and improve their productivity.  This workshop will examine interoperability and data portability issues relating to cloud computing.  

15th December 2009: Cloud Computing meets White Spaces

Cloud computing promises a revolution in the way content, applications and services will be delivered to consumers and citizens, across the globe. But its full benefits can only be fully enjoyed if broadband access becomes much more ubiquitous than it is today.  This event looks at a new approach to white spaces spectrum management could help meet the ubiquitous access requirements of Cloud Computing and extend the benefits to rural communities.

 26th March 2010: Open Government in a Public or Private Cloud?

eGovernment efforts have made steady progress in Europe, and look now to advances in cloud computing to improve further the efficiency of government operations. Openness and transparency of government administration is a related goal enhanced by information technology.  This roundtable discussion will examine the prospects for wider government use of cloud computing technologies, and specific governmental considerations about storing and processing data in remote locations.

7th May 2010: Health Information: Ownership and Control of data in a Cloud Environment

The digital landscape today is vastly different to what it had been in 1995. Today some e-services blur the traditional line of data ownership. The right to privacy and the importance of owning and controlling your own data however remains as important as it was then.  This new digital environment offers a definite set of opportunities which will yield benefits if we ensure that the right political and legal environment is set in place.  This session will address the opportunities as well as the challenges that have arisen with the growth of Web-based services in the context of eHealth. We will focus on questions relating to who owns and controls information and how to safeguard stakeholders’ interests while trying to maximize the potential benefits of web based products, services and solutions.

8th June 2010: Creating Economic Opportunities with Cloud Computing

The competitiveness of European industry and social cohesion are increasingly dependent on the availability and the effective use of information and communication technologies and the knowledge, skills, competences and inventiveness of the European workforce and citizens.  Research shows that the potential of lower IT costs with greater deployment of cloud technologies will have direct impact on the creation and viability of small and medium sized businesses in Europe.  This session will discuss both the direct economic benefits, and the eSkills needed for European businesses to provide cloud-based services.

For more information please visit http://www.microsoft.eu

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