Cloud computing is essential to deploy technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain and data analytics.
According to the cloud computing brochure of the European Commission, cloud offers an alternative model of data storage and processing on demand. Users can access their data over the internet wherever and whenever they want. The global data volume is growing very fast. Whereas cloud computing happens mostly in large datacentres today, by 2025 this trend will reverse: 80% of all data is expected to be processed in smart devices closer to the user (edge computing). Today, only 1 in 4 businesses and 1 in 5 SMEs are using cloud computing for their daily operations in Europe. If cloud take-up increases, this will also strengthen the European economy’s competitiveness and its innovation potential. Currently, the European Commission works on different initiatives to create a clear, single European framework of rules and best practices for cloud use in Europe.
An example of one of these initiatives is the regulation on the free flow of non-personal data. By allowing companies and public administrations to store and process non-personal data wherever they choose in the EU, the data economy benefits will be fully unleashed. Other initiatives aim at Standardizing cloud service level agreements, Cybersecurity and Data portability. Here you will find more information about initiatives associated the future of cloud computing in the EU.