We are moving forward on cloud computing in Europe on all levels
06 April 2011
If ever proof was needed of the importance of cloud computing to local regional and national governments, then I heard a wealth of evidence during my visit to Rome today.
Today’s Government Solutions Forum (GSF) event, hosted by Microsoft in Rome, marks another exciting milestone in showcasing the momentum of cloud computing, services and solutions in the Public Sector. Influential public sector leaders are coming together with Microsoft customers, and partners to share ideas, successes and practical experiences of implementing Microsoft technologies. Participants are sharing cloud computing approaches addressing the challenges of managing local and regional government and delivering innovative citizen services. It has been a very rewarding event for all concerned and I have been delighted to see the sharing and collaboration between the Forum delegates.
Recognizing the needs
It was only last November that Microsoft hosted the
Government Leaders Forum (GLF) attended by Commissioner Kroes and Deputy Prime Ministry Nick Clegg to discuss the needs, ideas and solutions on how governments could take advantage of
cloud computing to help achieve the
Europe 2020 vision. At the forum it was clearly identified that government at local, regional and national level could act as motors of change by bringing forward policies to support economic competitiveness as well as being cloud adopters themselves, transforming their public services.
Showcasing the ideas
Little more than four months after this event, standing firm on our GLF commitments to help drive thought-leadership to improve Europe’s competitiveness, just 2 weeks ago we welcomed Commissioner Neelie Kroes ‘home’ to our brand new
Cloud & Interoperability Center in Brussels. The center contains powerful examples of how cloud can transform sectors like health and education as well revolutionizing eGovernment. It has been designed specifically to help governments see
ideas in action and understand the true value of cloud technologies and interoperability.
Implementing the ideas that match the needs
Today in Rome, the
Global Solutions Forum (GSF) has transformed months of discussion into showcasing the reality and increased cloud computing momentum. I witnessed the pride of local government leaders who presented their successful cloud adoption strategies. What was particularly inspiring was that they didn’t just implement solutions that improved existing local government services; they also invented new ones working with Microsoft technologies and a wealth of expert Microsoft Partners. Moreover, these new services like
LoveCleanStreets helped bring government and citizens together. Today, citizens have been given the tools to work with local government to improve their community, rather than simply be passive receivers of public service.
At GLF back in November 2010, Professor Zorrinho said that people needed policies that they could believe in. He explained that we must come up with new solutions, instead of rebuilding with the same structure that failed before… and finally that we needed to operate in alignment with our communities, our culture, and our land. I hope Professor Zorrinho is as impressed with the innovation taking place within government, as much as I am.
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