Eigenverlag/Self

Abstract:
Deliverable No.5 of the STOA Project "Potential and Impacts of Cloud Computing Services and Social Network Sites"
Cloud Computing and Social Network Sites (SNS) are among the most controversially discussed developments in recent years. They are both part of the same societal transformation referring to a paradigm shift stating that “the network is the computer”. The opportunities of using powerful computing resources on demand via the web are considered as a possible driver for the growth of the European economy. Especially cost savings as well as increased productivity and mobility are seen as key elements by many experts. However, there are also critics arguing that economic, social and technical risks prevail or even dismiss the potentials of Cloud Computing and SNS. This project sheds light on these aspects and analyses the potentials and impacts of these developments. This includes a review of the technological and economic developments Cloud Computing is based on, an identification of driving factors and barriers for Cloud Computing in Europe as well as of main actors and their interests; and an analysis of impacts on citizens, business (including the IT industry itself) and public administration including a broad range of technical, economic, cultural, legal, regulatory issues and the impacts on society and economy as a whole. Cloud Computing not least includes a variety of technical concepts that alter computing infrastructures. SNS represent a prominent phenomenon grounding on Cloud Computing with a wide array of services and applications mainly focussed on end-users. Particular interrelations are given in terms of privacy and security challenges which are main issues addressed by the analysis of SNS related impacts.