New project aims to boost cloud computing in Europe While cloud computing is indeed a revolution in the way we use our computers, the main players in this growing market are still struggling to captivate and build trust among businesses and everyday citizens. Cloud-sceptics are concerned over data security and legal exposure bu... While cloud computing is indeed a revolution in the way we use our computers, the main players in this growing market are still struggling to captivate and build trust among businesses and everyday citizens. Cloud-sceptics are concerned over data security and legal exposure but, more importantly, a lack of understanding and information is what really holds them back. The FP7-funded CLOUDCATALYST project aims to tackle this issue by providing useful tools to foster the adoption of cloud computing in Europe and to boost the European Cloud Computing market. It targets software developers, members of the scientific community developing and deploying cloud computing solutions, incubators at the local, national and European levels, large industries, SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs sharing a need for flexible and scalable solutions. The idea is to create 'a strong and enthusiastic community of Cloud adopters and supporters in Europe'. To this end, the project will primarily analyse practices across Europe and identify the conditions for a successful adoption. 'We will cover all the main issues [related to Cloud usage] and give a clear overview on a number of topics such as current cloud trends, critical success factors to overcome major technical barriers, data privacy and compliance requirements, and recommendations for quality of service and SLA,' explains Dalibor Baskovc, Vice President at EuroCloud Europe, one of the project partners. But the project will also create a series of tools to help stakeholders create value-added cloud products and services. These consist of the 'Cloud accelerator toolbox' and he 'Go-to-the-Cloud' service platform - a collection of management tools bundling together trend analysis, use cases and practical recommendations in the form of printable report templates and instructional videos. 'The tools that we are developing will help companies adopt and deploy cloud solutions, whatever their different needs and requirements are,' says Baskovc. The project, which began in October 2013, has launched its new website this week. It will also carry out a number of market surveys and over the coming weeks to gather key information and produce an overview of the cloud adoption status, that is, why companies should develop cloud services, what are the companies' main internal problems in adopting a cloud solution, what are the associated risks and how these issues can be addressed.For more information, please visit: CLOUDCATALYST http://www.cloudcatalyst.eu/ Project factsheet Countries Portugal
