Cloud, Big Data, the Internet of Things are among the hottest topics that vendors are driving in 2015. In this 5-part series, I highlight five legal developments that are worth tracking.

5. Cloud standards get closer

There are numerous attempts to introduce cloud standards. There are initiatives from the European Union, official standard-setting organisations such as the International Telecommunications Union and the International Standards Organisation. There are also private standard-setting organisations (such as the UK Cloud Industry Forum with whom I have an association) and government-imposed standards. In all, the European Telecommunications Standards identified 20 bodies producing 150 documents in this area.

A definitive set of standards is some way off, as is a standard cloud contract, and cloud providers have little enthusiasm for one. The European Commission is attempting to introduce a standard approach to cloud SLAs.

In June 2014 its Cloud Select Industry Group published guidelines. A standard SLA is not close to being established, and the guidance is intended to serve as a form of checklist.

Expect standards, contracts and SLAs to receive attention during the course of the year. Of course, once there are generally acceptable standards, the next stage will be for customers to recognise – demand – that their providers should comply with those standards.

This will lead to the advent of certification schemes and organisations to help providers adhere to those standards.

Agree? Don’t agree? Add your comment below.

Part 1: Microsoft vs US.gov

Part 2: Internet of Things will cause privacy concerns

Part 3: Massive data security fines get closer

Part 4: Google Spain case will get greater scrutiny

Part 5: Cloud standards get closer

This post first appeared on The Channel | The Register as Microsoft vs US.gov, Internet of Stuff, Big Data: Some of 2015’s legal cloudy issues

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