May 23, 2013, 08:57:48
European Cloud Partnership
President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Commissioner Neelie Kroes | EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

EU cloud computing committee launched

By Nerea Rial |

For the first time, the Steering Board of the new European Cloud Partnership (ECP) met in Brussels on 19 November, kicking-off the process to help building an EU Digital Single Market for cloud computing.

The board, which aims making the most of the public sector's buying power to shape the growing  market for cloud computing services, brings together tech Chief Executive Officers and government representatives with responsibility for IT procurement.

Besides, the committee is Chaired by Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia, and  will deliver strategic advice to Vice President Neelie Kroes.

“I need this top-level input so that all of Europe can see the full benefits of cloud computing, and quickly”, Kroes stated and explained that “President Ilves and all Board members are going to give no-nonsense, action-oriented advice to get the European Cloud Partnership moving."

ECP's board, which is one of the key actions of the European Cloud Computing Strategy, will facilitate dialogue between public authorities and industry to implement pre-commercial procurement actions for public sector cloud computing.

Common computing  procurement requirements for use by Member States and public authorities will be developed and the ECP has already discussed and decided on its 2013-2014 objectives.

During its first mandate, it will create a common framework for cloud computing across Europe and stimulate the migration of public IT use to the cloud. Likewise, it will offer solutions to barriers to cloud computing adoption in the public sector.

“The main beneficiaries of our actions will be European citizens, small and medium sized enterprises and national, regional and local authorities”, The Steering Board said on an statement, adding that other stakeholders “will also benefit from the creation of a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem.”

The committee counts with an initial budget of €10 million and will meet two or three times per year and may consult with industrial, academic and governmental bodies and experts.

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