Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of small and medium enterprises that he hopes to target with the recently released guidelines on cloud computing, entitled, SWiFT 10: Adopting the Cloud – decision support for Cloud computing. [27307/12]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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"SWiFT 10 Adopting the Cloud – decision support for Cloud computing" is designed to provide guidance to all organisations, both large and small, on the various issues that need to be considered when moving to the Cloud. Cloud computing is a key sector identified in the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 and the development of this SWiFT by National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) marks the delivery of a Q2 measure under the Action Plan.

"SWiFT 10:" was launched on 21 May 2012. The Irish Internet Association disseminated information on the SWiFT to the 6,500 subscribers of their Newsletter and 12,500 followers on Twitter. Both mainstream and IT specialist media reported on the Launch.

It is intended for use as a means of assessing Cloud adoption prioritisation and suitability. The SWiFT guidance will support organisations to thoroughly assess the practical suitability of Cloud computing across the gamut of their business operations. It includes a thorough review of all legal, security, maturity and cost/benefit considerations.

SME's in particular will be receptive to this SWiFT, as they are looking to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, increase agility and open up new avenues.

Recent research indicates that while SMEs are convinced of the merits of the Cloud, they are hesitant to take those first steps. SWiFT 10 will guide business owners and managers through the process and assist them in making the appropriate decisions and setting the right course for their Cloud adoption strategy.

SWiFT 10 helps organisations determine whether Cloud is a right fit for them or not. It provides not only a starting point for businesses considering Cloud, it guides them through all the features that need to be considered when adopting Cloud and helps organisations large and small assess the risks and more importantly the benefits for their business at a small cost of less than €20.

In this regard this SWiFT will clear some of the confusion which may be hampering Cloud adoption and provide a means of promoting and encouraging greater adoption among Irish SMEs. It is not possible at this stage to put a number on the SMEs that will avail of the SWiFT 10 guidance.