Over 60 per cent of organisations in the GCC are considering cloud computing (CC) solutions, but security remains a big concern according to US-based research firm IDC.

 “We have seen significant change in attitude over the past six to eight months in the GCC region, it has shifted from high scepticism to more sophisticated discussions focused on how to prepare for cloud computing,” says Margaret Adam, research director of the report.

The public and energy sectors have shown the biggest interest in adopting CC solutions.

Beside security fears, industry regulation, data privacy and its protection are also an issue. The geographical location of the data centre in which the information is stored can also present problems.

“There is no comprehensive legislation for data protection in the Middle East. Moreover the jurisdictions of the country where the data centre exists will also apply,” says Antony Garrod a partner at law firm Clyde & Co.

If data is hosted in a European Union (EU) country, it would be difficult to exchange it back and forth between the countries in the Middle East due to EU law, which restricts incoming data.  

“The model is not yet mature. Pricing models and implementation and integration from both a technical and business perspective are still unclear,” says Adam.

IDC will publish the full report in February.