Overview

Innovation is the engine of the economy. The reliable implementation of innovation is what spurs economic success. Cloud computing is without question a megatrend that offers customers and providers alike a multitude of advantages and thus will lead to a completely new way of using IT.

Providers and users are often unsure about new and innovative solutions introduced to the market and these insecurities apply particularly to cloud services. Cloud computing is a particularly attractive option for midsized companies to maintain their competitive edge by adding external services to their existing ones. However, precisely these companies oftentimes do not have the means to individually control potential legal implications. Both providers and users have the challenge before them to adequately form cloud computing agreements to cover all legal aspects especially pertaining to data privacy laws; particularly when the offered cloud service is supposed to be offered or used across borders.

Internet security issues are frequently up for discussion and these very issues apply to cloud computing more than anything. The technology requirements for a secure service are definitely there, however, providers are confused about the sometimes vague legal framework in Europe.

Cooperation between providers and users pertaining to issues arising from the use of externally offered applications in the area of data security, data protection, contract format, complying with legal requirements is particularly important. Issues such as professional IT management, transparent processes, encoding, backup and archiving, exit strategy, Service Level Agreements, performance, and many others are clearly in the foreground.
This is why EuroCloud has started the development of a SaaS Seal of Approval. A seal of approval for the sector Software as a Service often seen as a sub-aspect of cloud computing, makes sense because this sector unites many components of cloud computing and includes the sectors of platform and infrastructure.
The development o the SaaS Seal of Approval was a joint effort of provider companies, consultants, auditors, representatives of authorities as well as attorneys. They aimed to develop a meaningful, objective and user friendly questionnaire and criteria list.