US software maker Microsoft’s General Counsel Brad Smith in Brussels today proposed a multistakeholder dialogue on cloud computing in Europe aimed at opening up its potential, including through building confidence, government action and harmonisation of national policies.
“In Europe and elsewhere,” said a preparatory text circulated by Microsoft, “computing is experiencing a powerful transformation. Driven by innovations in software, hardware, and network capacity, the traditional model of computing – where users operate software on their own PC and IT systems – is gradually being replaced by one where users increasingly combine ever-smarter client devices that access applications and services both on the client itself and over the internet, i.e., “the cloud”. In terms of efficiencies, innovation acceleration, cost savings, and greater computing power, there are substantial benefits to be gained from cloud computing.”
Smith’s 10-page preparatory paper is available here.