Governments leading by example at Cloudscape V, 27-28 February 2013, Brussels

Jan. 21 – Many public and private organisations are considering moving to the cloud but are hesitant simply because they are not fully aware of the facts and the potential surrounding cloud. These benefits are not just about cost savings but also about flexibility and agility to improve business and adapt to new market conditions. Creating new and better government services should also be high on the public sector agenda, while also driving incentives to boost adoption by small businesses. Cloudscape V, 27-28 February at the International Auditorium in Brussels will ensure full awareness of cloud through practical experiences and best practices in migrating to the cloud.

A good example of governments leading the way is the UK G-Cloud programme. "2012 was a defining year for the Cloud in the UK. Her Majesty's Government has introduced its G-Cloud programme and there is now a Cloudstore offering thousands of services from hundreds of suppliers available to all in the Public sector. While initial take up of this new procurement option has been steady, the sea change in purchasing behaviour has been signalled with several major departments purchasing cloud based services. In addition, the UK Government has put meat on the bones of its Digital Agenda with the new Government Digital Service, responsible for integrating access to Government Services across the piece", said Ian Osborne, Director Cloud & Government, ICT KTN.

Ian Osborne chairs the Cloudscape V session on clouds for governments. Speakers include Denise McDonagh, programme director for the cross-government G-Cloud, aimed at revolutionising the direction and procurement of IT across the UK public sector, as well as having responsibility for reducing the Home Office IT expenditure by 30 per cent. Different but equally significant insights come from Ben Katsumi, International-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. This talk focuses on the resiliency, dependability and "survivability" of cloud", demonstrating its value-add in tackling major disaster situations.

A talk from Stuart Coleman, Commercial Director at the Open Data Institute, illustrates another key role governments can play in supporting public data initiatives. Co-founded by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Professor Nigel Shadbolt, the ODI is all about catalysing the evolution of an open data culture to create economic, environmental, and social value. The ODI is taking technology innovation to find and deliver real value in data – one of the most untapped and emerging raw materials of our increasingly global world.

"I passionately believe that by increasing and improving access to the right information in the right ways we can fuel a transformational change to both our society and the UK economy. As a world-first, the ODI has the potential to make a huge impact. We will enable businesses and the public sector to unlock more value in data, connect businesses with developers and entrepreneurs", said Stuart Coleman, ODI.

But it doesn't stop here. Cloudscape V uncovers major barriers like data, security, privacy and sovereignty as the highest issues on the agenda of potential adopters. Discussions are led by Marnix Dekker, Security Expert and Information Security Officer at ENISA, the European Networking and Information Security Agency. Experts sharing insights include Tim Cowen, Founder of the Open Cloud Alliance and partner in Sidley Austin's London office, where he focuses on EU and UK competition law and EU regulatory law.

"Cloudscape has become a critical venue for discussion of the policy issues and research opportunities that cloud computing presents. Microsoft is pleased to participate and to be a sponsor", said Dennis Gannon, Director of Cloud Research Engagements, Technology Policy Group, Microsoft.

Cloudscape series

This Cloudscape series is an annual gathering that fosters open, interactive discussions between interested parties from enterprise, government, policy and research. Cloudscape V is a multi-faceted event with European and international experts covering topics like clouds for research, small business success stories, open collaborative models, big data challenges, standards and EU enterprise research and development. Cloudscape V builds on the legacy of the SIENA Roadmap, assessing progress on the recommendations as a Call for Action on stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

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Source: Cloudscape