The European Commission's new
strategy for "Unleashing the potential of cloud computing in Europe"
outlines actions to deliver a net gain of 2.5 million new European jobs, and an
annual boost of EUR 160 billion to EU GDP (around 1%), by 2020. The strategy is
designed to speed up and increase the use of cloud computing across the
economy. 'Cloud computing' refers to the storage of data (such as text files,
pictures and video) and software on remote computers, which users access over
the internet on the device of their choice. This is faster, cheaper, more
flexible and potentially more secure than on-site IT solutions. Many popular
services such as Facebook, Spotify and web-based email use cloud computing
technologies but the real economic benefits come through widespread use of
cloud solutions by businesses and the public sector.
Unleashing the Potential of Cloud Computing in Europe - What is it and what does it mean for me?: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/713&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
