The cloud economy ecosystem

Improvements in processing power, storage capabilities and communication transmission speeds have together facilitated the emergence of what has come to be known as cloud computing. This phenomenon is likely to influence, in various ways, both the production and use of services delivered through ICTs over coming years. As with other new technological developments, it is difficult to predict the full implications of cloud computing. While it offers significant potential benefits to those who are able to leverage them, it also raises concerns for users, not least with regard to data protection and privacy. Moreover, the spread of cloud computing may widen the digital divide between those — countries, businesses and individuals — that are and those that are not well placed to benefit from it.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development