World Economic Forum: global CEOs debate the future of cloud computing

BT CIO Clive Selley anticipates an intense debate with customers, politicians and legislators

Issues around the cloud usually get a thorough airing at any IT-focused event, and the World Economic Forum in Davos this week is no exception.

BT CIO Clive Selley told Computing that he anticipates an informative debate this morning on the pros and cons of the strategy in a session focused on the cloud.

"I expect the majority of the focus to be on data security and privacy, and the idea of companies having the ‘right to be forgotten'," he said.

"There is always a worry when you put your data in the cloud and, if at a later date you decide to withdraw it, will your data be erased?

"People want to put their data in the cloud, and while you want it there you also want it to be secure, and you want to know where and how it is being stored," he added.

"The great thing about this debate is that it will involve CEOs of major global companies, customers, politicians and legislators. You don't get all those different views anywhere else but Davos. We are bound to get a completely rounded perspective."

Selley also expects a lot of delegates to be talking about broadband and how it can be used to drive economic growth.

"Fibre broadband is a big issue for all economies. It has to be one of the enablers to GDP growth," said Selley.

"It is important that companies like BT around the world work with governments on how to complete or extend the fibre rollout. There are places that this is of course not economically viable, but by working with regulators and politicians we have to come up with a model that will benefit everyone.

"Fibre needs to get deep into communities, and it is essential for a developed economy. It is as essential as health services, motorways, trains or any other core infrastructure.

"If the UK gets it right we really can lead the world on how best to do it."