Cloud computing offers real economic benefits, says Minister
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Issued on 22 November 2010 - BIS
Cloud computing offers real economic benefits for both the
public and business, Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said today.
The Minister outlined the potential of the new technology at
the third annual UK-China Internet Forum, which was held at the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The forum brings together government and business from both
countries to discuss business opportunities and policy issues related
to the internet.
Cloud computing allows individuals and business to access
internet-based computing, reducing the need to invest in your own
hardware and software.
Mr Vaizey said cloud computing could drastically reduce costs
for new companies and transform, for example, the way we use portable
devices.
He said:
“Access to the networked resources provided by ‘clouds’
enables companies to enter markets without having to meet the capital
costs of building their own computer infrastructure.
“What they get instead is a sort of ‘pay as you go’ service
tailored to their specific requirements.
“This is especially significant today, at a time when we are
seeing an explosion in the number of portable devices with limited
storage capacity.
“Access to clouds enables them to transcend that limitation
and provide a level of functionality which would normally be associated
with much larger machines.”
But realising the full potential of this technology would
require significant change, Mr Vaizey added.
He said ensuring individual privacy and data security, which
would be essential for consumer trust and confidence, would need a
step-change in co-operation between industry, consumers and
governments.
The Minister said:
“Cloud computing is a good illustration of the need for
international co-operation to ensure the very important developments on
the internet that hold great potential for both our countries are taken
forward.”
Notes to Editors
1. For further information contact Paul Conroy, BIS press
office, on 020 7215 5303.
About the Author
© Crown Copyright.
Material taken from the BIS Department for Business, Innovation and
Skills. Reproduced under the terms and conditions of the Click-Use
Licence.
