Scotland as a cloud user

Cloud computing, in the context of this conference, refers to internet-based computing, whereby an organisation’s information, software and hardware can be stored in, and accessed from, external data centres. Cloud computing providers see this service as a utility, likening IT outsourcing to electricity supply. An organisation can outsource capital expenditure, maintenance costs and expertise, replacing these with subscription or pay-as-you-go use of a service.

The key features of cloud computing include potential cost savings, flexibility and reliability. Perceived issues around the technology include the environmental impact, the costs of migration to the cloud and the challenges posed to existing security measures and data protection legislation.

An initial plenary session, followed by breakouts with industry and public sector experts will focus on the following:

    * How can cloud computing benefit Scottish public bodies?

    * What is the role of Central Government in relation to the use of cloud services?

    * What are the major concerns around these services and what are the solutions?

    * What might migration to the cloud look like in practical terms?

Scotland as a cloud host

The final session of the day will begin with an address from Federico Etro, Professor of Economics at the University of Milan and President of the first International academic Think-tank on Innovation and Competition (INTERTIC). Professor Etro will speak on the economic impact of cloud computing on business creation, employment and output. This will be followed by a discussion on how Scotland can position itself as a cloud host and will focus on the following:

    * What are the economic benefits of cloud computing?

    * How can Scotland become a leader in this new approach to ICT?

    * What barriers exist to this emerging industry in Scotland?