Asia group launches cloud index, 'cloud map'

08.07.2011
Asia's cloud computing industry group recently unveiled two initiatives that can help guide organisations in the region as they consider adopting cloud computing.

The Asia Cloud Computing Association introduced the 'Cloud Readiness Index' and 'Cloud Map' which provide relevant information that can help organisations decide how they may want to implement the cloud and even provide answers to some nagging questions that may be hindering them from jumping into the cloud.

The Index aims "to identify potential bottlenecks that could slow adoption and threaten Asia's digital future." It measures 10 key attributes that are "critical" in deploying and using cloud computing technology. These attributes include regulatory conditions, international connectivity, data protection policy, broadband quality, government prioritisation, power grid quality, Internet filtering, business efficiency index, global risk and ICT development.

Data for the Index attributes will be culled from 14 countries in the region, including China, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Cloud Map, on the other hand, will be a graphic illustration of the "current state of the cloud debate". Since cloud adoption in the region may still be contentious for some organisations, the map will chart and analyse the issues surrounding the cloud, and identify the stakeholders and influencers, and how the debate is developing.