Contracts for Clouds: Comparison and Analysis of the Terms and Conditions of Cloud Computing Services

Abstract

Cloud computing offers an attractive solution to customers keen to acquire computing infrastructure without large up-front investment, particularly in cases where their demand may be variable and unpredictable. But the greater flexibility of a Cloud computing service as compared with a traditional outsourcing contract is balanced by less certainty for the customer in terms of the location of data placed into the Cloud and the legal foundations of any contract with the provider. This paper reports on a detailed survey and analysis of the Terms and Conditions offered by Cloud computing providers.

Keywords: Cloud Computing, Outsourcing, Data Protection, Information Technology, Contracts, Service Level Agreements, Terms of Service, Terms and Conditions

JEL Classification: K12