Business Software Alliance (BSA) Global Cloud Computing Scorecard brings out the difference in terms of the legal and regulatory framework in these countries. The scorecard examines 24 countries across various parameters like Data Security, Privacy, Promotion of Free Trade and so on that gives a snapshot of the legal framework in these countries and how strong is it to support the cloud. Lizum Mishra, Director, India, BSA, says, “The right kind of legal and policy framework is essential for cloud to grow.” Security concerns and threats relating to data protection are known to be the biggest inhibitors for cloud adoption. There has to be a regulatory environment that takes care of these issues and is strong enough to protect and ensure free flow of data, in order to exploit its full potential.

Amongst all the 24 countries, Japan clearly leads the race showing good preparedness in all areas like data privacy, security and free trade, scoring over 80 percent on the scorecard. BSA states that there is clearly a difference between the developed and developing economies, as developed ones have more sound policies that support the cloud. Australia, Germany and United States being on the top is an evidence of this fact.

Surprisingly despite all the developments that we see happening in Indian market, the country falls far behind scoring only around 50 percent on the scorecard. But BSA is of the opinion that there is a huge opportunity in the Indian market for cloud growth. This is mainly because of its strong domestic ICT market. “India has made significant progress on various fronts and we are very pleased with the maturing ICT sector which stands out amongst all BRIC nations”, says Chris Hopfensperger, Technology Policy Counsel, Business Software Alliance.