In order for Asia to reap the benefits that can be derived from cloud adoption, the Association believes "the region needs to harmonise the policy and regulatory frameworks to facilitate effective trade in digital information and service."

Said Per Dahlberg, founder and chief executive officer, Asia Cloud Computing Association: "It is therefore necessary to have an active debate with an Asia focus. This is what Asia Cloud is aiming for in terms of its overall mission and with the Cloud Readiness Index."

"Cloud Computing offers significant opportunities for local industries. It attracts investments and overseas businesses and provides a significant boost to e-government initiatives. Countries with the most insightful, transparent and fair regulatory environments will be the most successful in capitalising on this new opportunity," said John Galligan, vice chairman of the association working group, and regional director, Internet policy, Microsoft.

"The indications for Asia are good but there is still room for action with a recent research report revealing that Asia is lagging behind the US and Europe in cloud adoption. Moreover, while larger Asian businesses are embracing cloud services, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are slow to embrace the cloud. There is a huge opportunity to help narrow this gap and Asia Cloud hopes that the new Cloud Readiness Index will help governments and businesses, large and small, to continue to capitalise on the opportunities that cloud computing offers," he said.