The benefits and risks of cloud computing are to be explained to businesses by legal and IT professionals at a seminar in Swindon next month.
Experts from M4 corridor commercial law firm Thrings and independent London-based IT consultancy Nubo Consulting aim to demystify the phenomenon of cloud computing at the event, called The Journey to the Cloud, which takes place at Thrings’ Swindon office on May 14.
Presentations by Thrings corporate partner Kate Westbrook and Nubo Consulting CEO Adrian White will give attendees independent guidance about cloud-based computing, advise end users about the best solutions and explain, in basic terms, the legal, commercial and technological implications. 
The seminar is expected to attract firms of all sizes and from all sectors, from start-ups seeking advice on their IT strategy to larger, more established companies looking to rationalise their existing infrastructure by entering the cloud.
Topics will include:
- Managing the implementation of cloud computing
- Transitioning current IT systems to the cloud
- Advising on the best solutions for the end-user
- Data protection
- Exiting from a cloud service
Attendees can also take part in a question-and-answer session and debate key topics around the issue of cloud computing.
Kate Westbrook, pictured, said: “Cloud computing can offer substantial savings from more traditional models of computing, with businesses able to pass on savings to customers due to greater economies of scale.
“But there are also a number of legal issues to bear in mind when negotiating contract terms and service level agreements with the cloud service provider. With data protection legislation very much a hot topic, data privacy and security is of paramount importance to businesses, as is ensuring they have a right of access to data if they exit the cloud service.” 
Adrian White, pictured, added: “In recent years many organisations, including Netflix and Transics, have managed to significantly reduce their IT costs as a result of using cloud computing services. With a European Commission report suggesting that 80% of companies could reduce their costs by as much as a fifth by introducing a cloud-based system, it is perhaps not surprising to learn that three-quarters of SMEs in the UK have adopted cloud computing in some form.
“The evolution of cloud computing in recent years has been rapid, but any business contemplating a migration to such a system, or one which is looking for ways to gain further competitive advantage, needs to be aware that while operating in the cloud can offer great rewards, there are also risks involved and requirements to be met.”
To register for the seminar, visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-journey-to-the-cloud-tickets-10605518391
