BRUSSELS — April 26, 2016 —In a new, far-reaching study by BSA | The Software Alliance on cloud computing policies around the globe, Europe remains amongst the best ranked in the world. Future EU policies might however greatly impact cloud uptake in those markets.

Cloud computing allows anyone — a start-up, an individual consumer, a government or a small business — to quickly and efficiently access technology in a cost-effective way. These services in return open the door to unprecedented connectivity, productivity and competitiveness.

The 2016 BSA Global Cloud Computing Scorecard ranks the cloud computing readiness of 24 countries that account for 80 percent of the world’s IT markets. Each country is graded on its strengths and weaknesses in seven key policy areas.

This year’s results reveal that almost all European countries have made healthy improvements in their policy environments since 2013, despite the emergence of certain worrying trends which have shed uncertainty over the free flow of data in Europe.

“As such, we are hopeful that the upcoming EU free flow of data initiative will help dispel any confusion and contribute to unleashing the potential of cloud computing in Europe,” said Thomas Boué, Director General, Policy – EMEA at BSA | The Software Alliance, adding: “We stand ready to work alongside all interested parties to ensure that Europeans can reap the full benefits of cloud computing.”

This initiative has the potential to become a global best practice, similar to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which was the first multilateral trade agreement to create a strong framework for the movement of data across borders.

“The TPP recognizes the paramount importance of the free flow of data and mirrors the need of a growing global digital economy. BSA hopes that this can also be emulated in the TTIP, currently negotiated between the EU and the US,” Boué added.

“It is promising that Europe has maintained a strong position in the rankings. However, there is still work to be done,” said Victoria Espinel, President and CEO of BSA | The Software Alliance. “Unfortunately, the Scorecard shows some countries are heading down a path of treating cloud computing as the next frontier of protectionism. The report is a wake-up call for all governments to work together to ensure the benefits of the cloud around the globe.”

The full, 24-country rankings and detailed findings are available at www.bsa.org/cloudscorecard.