Kroes announces consultation date for European Cloud Strategy

Consultations for the development of the European cloud computing strategy will take place on 23 May, European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes said today.

The strategy was announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos last year.

"I plan to engage major cloud users to look at the opportunities for a coordinated move on standardisation to support interoperability and portability of data," said Kroes.

"We will also convene those working in the area of cloud computing. Here the goal will be to consolidate our efforts," she added.

Kroes sees interoperability and standardisation as key to the success of the cloud strategy for Europe.

"To compete in the digital single market, users must be able to change their cloud provider easily," she said.

"It must be as fast and easy as changing one's internet or mobile phone provider has become in many places. In other words: interoperability is essential for the cloud to be fair, open and competitive," she added.

"International standardisation efforts will also have a huge impact on cloud computing. Open specifications are key to creating competitive and flourishing markets that deliver what customers need."

Consultations will take place both in Brussels and online.