The EuroCloud - is it worth joining?
Posted by Noel Shannon on Wed, Dec 09, 2009
Well first of all - what is it?
EuroCloud is a European network of local SaaS and cloud computing communities. The Network includes vendors and industry experts.
And what is it going to do?
EuroCloud's goals are to become the first European cloud ecosystem to boost cloud development across Europe, while becoming the European platform for business exchange with other continents.
Why should it be of interest to me?
EuroCloud offers the opportunity for cloud players to create a regional community or get involved in existing EuroCloud communities. Candidates can create a new local organisation under the EuroCloud brand. Any company worldwide that has operations in Europe and a strong interest in SaaS and cloud services can apply and be a player in one or all local EuroCloud communities.
How is it organised ?
A board and a local chairman will be elected to lead each local EuroCloud to drive its expansion. Each local EuroCloud subscribes to a European central body and participate in a European steering committee to promote the EuroCloud strategy throughout Europe.
Who is in it?
EuroCloud's launch is already supported by major companies in Europe and in the US. These are called European Launch Promoters (ELP) and are: Amazon Web Services, Cloudberry Associates, Cloudmore, Compubase, Dassault Systèmes, E-Kenz, Emailvision, Esker, Huddle, INES, Ipsca, McAfee, Microsoft Corporation, Mimecast, MrTed, NTRglobal, Odyssee Mobile, Oodrive, OpSource, Panda Security, Procullux Ventures, Qualys, RunMyProcess, Saas-it Consult, salesforce.com, Servoy, SiliconCloud, STS Group, SuccessFactors and Twinfield. ELPs are all present in multiple markets and were selected based on the European scope of their business.
What is the EuroCloud concept
Pierre-José Billotte came up with the concept and created a strategic plan including a clear vision of what this initiative could bring to the whole IT industry. Following the launch, the regional associations (shown below) will be driving initiatives supporting local business issues while exchanging information with the other markets via the European central board.
How is it doing so far?
EuroCloud was launched in Europe in October 2009 with local EuroCloud communities forming in UK, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden
Discussions under way in 9 more including Germany, Italy, Poland, Turkey and The Ukraine
- Hundreds of industry players signed up across Europe
- Coverage in 60+ online media
- 30+ EuroCloud Launch Partners
EuroCloud UK had a successful launch event in London on Wednesday Nov 25th. Some statistics:
- 58 people registered
- 41 attendees from 33 companies
- 18 companies committed to join
- 12 board members
- 18 EuroCloud UK Launch Promoters
By the end of November 2009 Eurocloud was present in 11 european countries and discussions were in progress in 9 others.
Eurocloud will be launched in Denmark, Finland, Belgium, and Sweden in December. EuroCloud Ireland, Turkey and Ukraine are in planning.
SiliconCloud - the Inbound Marketing Company - is a member of EuroCloud UK and is the co-ordinator for EuroCloud Ireland.
How do I join?
You can join EuroCloud on http://www.eurocloud.org/ and the forms will be sent directly to the coordinators of the local euroclouds. It is also planned that you will have the option of joining multiple EuroClouds if yoa are a member of one.