How National Borders and Jurisdiction Affect Cloud Computing
While a cloud without borders is the ideal, certain issues with jurisdiction can complicate the use of cloud computing for a multinational. The main selling point of cloud is that it allows users to connect to each other and their data regardless of where they are. Unfortunately, national borders and jurisdiction mean quite the opposite, and learning what they mean to your cloud is an essential part of establishing a cloud solution for your company.
The cloud allows data to transcend national borders
As has been seen in companies such as Shell and Apple, establishing a strong cloud network allows hundreds of thousands of employees to access data and cloud services regardless of worldwide location. For an energy company this is especially important. For the mobile-reliant Asian market, especially South Korea and Japan, being able to have full access to data and services anywhere you go is not absolutely essential. Pair this with a redundant system that is streamlined specifically for retrieving and storing data effectively, and you have a system that is hard to pass up.
The cloud is global by definition: regardless of where your company is, all you need is access to the Internet. However, global access unexpectedly means that a local cloud provider is the safest. Making sure that your cloud provider is close to your company’s headquarters can save you numerous tribulations with international jurisdiction and national borders.
How the cloud interacts with national borders
With more governments getting involved in regulating and using the cloud, the discussion over national borders and privacy laws has started to affect cloud services providers. This is especially true in areas that have dense national borders such as the European Union. However, the Asian market (with its wildly differing political systems) and the North American market, affected by regulation such as the Patriot Act in the United States, also has its own obstacles to overcome.
Companies in different European states, particularly France, have invested heavily in local cloud service providers. While data remains available anywhere, headquartering of data is especially important. For example, the Japanese corporate giant Fujitsu has headquartered its cloud services in France, with servers in Germany and corporate offices in Japan. This leaves data out of reach of the US Patriot Act while allowing the Japanese business to effectively cater to European clients.
Where your cloud data resides matters
For many small and mid-size businesses, considering the headquarters of data is not a priority. Performance and price are usually the most important considerations. However, increased regulation and intervention by federal governments has led many IT professionals to more greatly value the location of cloud services providers. Apart from matters of security, working with a cloud services provider that shares your culture is crucial.
Oft overlooked is the role of culture in cloud computing. Many companies will give preference to cloud service providers located in their own country, their own language, their own time zone, and a shared cultural background. This stands in stark contrast with one of the main selling points of cloud technology: global appeal. Taking these considerations into account, IT professionals should most carefully consider:
- Where data is stored,
- Where cloud services company has its headquarters, and
- What their government’s policy is on data that crosses national borders
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About the Guest Author:
Nida Rasheed is a freelance writer and owner of an outsourcing company, Nida often finds herself wanting to write about the subjects that are closest to her heart. She lives in Islamabad, Pakistan and can be found on Twitter @nidarasheed.
