Cloudless Europe: Most Europeans Have Yet To Hear Of Cloud Computing

Grazed from CloudTweaks. Author: Rick Blaisdell.

Europe has been at the forefront of global development, having led the colonization of a huge portion of the world. Economic and social empowerment has been on an upward scale, making it a developed country. Surprisingly, a huge proportion of the population is yet to venture into cloud computing. Considering that, there is only one Europe, and most of us would not expect such slow uptake of a game-changing innovation, let me state that again.

A study by BSA, 34% of Europeans were aware of cloud computing service and had actually consumed such. In the study, over 4000 individuals were interviewed from across Europe, with the aim of assessing their views regarding cloud computing. Reponses to questions regarding what cloud computing is ranged from ‘I have no idea what it is’ to ‘I have never heard of it’…

It is impossible to overlook the weaknesses of scientific study, sampling and other aspects of surveys, but these figures were actually the product of a widespread study across the whole of Europe. Of the few people who reportedly utilized cloud-computing services, close to 90% relied on it for personal uses. As a result, the contributing of cloud computing to strategic placement by businesses was still at elementary levels.

Similar trends were observed in the US, with some individuals reportedly associating cloud computing with brands of consumer goods. This comes in the wake of concerted efforts by high profile marketers and harmonized campaigns, aimed at preparing consumers for the upcoming challenges and benefits. The findings of the study were baffling in more ways that one. First, a wide range of individuals pretended to know what cloud computing is, while others were already consuming the services without knowing what it entails. However, it was common knowledge that most people who actually conversed about cloud computing relied on hearsay and that factual expertise was seriously lacking.

With regards to the recent cloud movement, it is expected that countries with the highest consumption of internet services would be the primary consumers as well. Past studies have indicated that socio-economic status of the residents in the US and Europe provides the most opportune environment for consumption of internet.

As the EC prepared to dust its coats and develop a cloud computing strategy for the EC, the relevant government bodies are keen on enjoying the efficiencies of the services. Numerous efforts are required to ensure that the EU leapfrogs to the global standards in consumption of these services. Since the region has sufficient infrastructure to handle the requirements, it is necessary for decisive and focused steps to be taken.