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Ozhub: Where Does The Uk Stand?
The goal is set for Australia: become the preferred destination for cloud computing. Despite the challenge of providing quicker access to the world, OzHub’s mission is clear. In the background lies the U.S Patriot Act which allows the US government to access data stored in cloud servers without necessarily informing the user if they see fit. Due to this U.S Patriot Act, more countries are positioning themselves as the alternative place to go for cloud computing services. By forming a cloud computing Alliance called OzHub, Fujitsu, InfoPlex, Macquarie Telecom and VMware are setting the pace in this region of the world. Not only will OzHub set the framework for a better cloud computing legal environment, it is also cooperating with the Australian Communications Consumers Action Network so as to establish confidence in cloud computing to the consumers. To add to this, it is also expected that, in the future, Australian companies will be compelled to host their data in Australia, even though it will be hosted on cloud servers. To sum-up: not only Australia is working to get Australian businesses to use locally run cloud computing services, but they are also positioning themselves as the Switzerland of cloud computing services. So where does the UK stand in all of this? In fact, no such coalition has yet emerged between UK-based cloud computing service providers. While one of OzHub’s missions is to build confidence in cloud computing services, according to Cloud Industry Forum survey who polled 450 organizations in the UK, 94% of UK consumers are happy with cloud computing. On the government side, the UK Government CIO council has decided to setup G-Cloud: a private cloud-computing infrastructure. While still limited, this shows the willingness to adopt cloud computing within the government. In fact, one can say that cloud computing has gone mainstream in the UK. However, this U.S Patriot Act issue on privacy prevails for some UK consumers of cloud computing services too: if you are a European based enterprise, making sure to select a UK-based cloud computing provider would minimize the risk of having to unveil private data because of some regulations. At least, under such configuration, you’ll be managed by a UK regulation rather than an international one that may leave you subject to legal requirements that very few people seize the implications of. The benefit of switching to cloud computing services usually outweighs any risks, especially if you adopt this approach of going with a UK based cloud provider. The interesting part with OzHub model is that they collaborate with the consumer’s association, and this can be a great model to integrate into UK’s cloud computing picture. The question that remains is: does the UK need such coalition as OzHub to lobby for more protection of consumers data? Don’t get me wrong; although the issue of data privacy came to the spotlight, it definitely isn’t limited, or specific to cloud computing services. As long as your data leaves your computer, you’ll always have a privacy issue – even if you choose not to go to the cloud. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Hosted Exchange 2010 is a business grade, cloud-based email service available from Giacom World Networks. Share email, calendars, contacts and tasks with Hosted Exchange. |
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