Clouding SMEs · Clouding SMEs

Despite the proclaimed benefits of cloud computing for SMEs, the penetration of cloud technologies within European SMEs is still low. The CloudingSMEs support action is a joint effort of SME Associations, SMEs and clouding computing experts, which will act as a catalyst for the accelerated and successful adoption of cloud computing by European SMEs. The project will take a holistic approach to cloud computing by SMEs, which will consider both supply side (i.e. innovative ICT SMEs with expertise on cloud computing) and demand side (i.e. use of the cloud by SMEs) needs. The project will specify a vision for the optimal adoption and use of cloud computing within SME communities, along with a set of road maps for realizing this vision. In addition to the road maps, the project will focus on short, medium and longer term activities, which shall be undertaken by SME communities, cloud communities and policy makers towards a successful adoption of the vision. As part of these activities, the project will introduce an integrated toolbox that will comprise set of practical tools (i.e. guidelines, templates, blueprints) that could facilitate SMEs in their cloud related decisions. Along with the toolbox, the project will produce and document a number of best practices and policy development guidelines for the wider penetration and effective deployment of cloud technologies by SMEs. Likewise, the project will also produce good practices and policy guidelines helping ICT SMEs in successfully developing/promoting their niche cloud solutions.<br/>The project's results will be offered to European SMEs through a single access point and in a multi-lingual and SME friendly way. CloudingSMEs will build upon recent roadmapping efforts provided by cloud expert groups, while it will actively contribute to policy agendas such as the European Cloud Partnership. Furthermore, it will act as a perfect bridge between FP7 and Horizon2020 in terms of SMEs involvement in cloud research.