Product Description

Cloud computing in both the now and the future of information technology (IT). The benefits of low-cost, unlimited, utility-like service is just too compelling to be ignored by organizations located anywhere in the world. But there are legal, business, and technical risks. This new book, Cloud Computing for Lawyers and Executives A Global Approach demystifies cloud computing for those involved in seeking out, assessing, negotiating and approving cloud computing services agreements. With summaries written for executives (Executive Takeaways) and in-depth risk and legal explanations and analysis for lawyers, this book simultaneously speaks to both audiences. This includes leaders and lawyers inside corporations and government and those that advise them. After introducing cloud computing by addressing the questions of what, why and when to use cloud computing and a financial analysis, the book then covers the laws around the world that use of cloud computing will implicate. It then spends the next two chapters on identifying the information security and privacy risks of cloud computing and the response to those risks. Response includes utilizing control frameworks, cloud standards, and audit and assessment methodologies. The next chapter discusses the preservation and breach of data in the cloud, including how litigation and investigation issues such as e-discovery and data breach differ in the cloud. Then next two chapters cover negotiation of the cloud services agreement. Adding to all of the risks presented in the prior chapters are additional legal risks. Examples of provisions from five cloud computing services contracts with leading providers are then highlighted. This is followed by a comprehensive explanation of a methodology to use in these negotiations, which is applied to two typical organizations, a multinational organization and a domestic small and medium sized business. Up to date through May 2011, the book closes with a chapter on legal ethics, the issues specific to consumer use of the cloud and the steps to take to prepare for cloud computing. There is an appendix listing the organizations involved in setting cloud computing standards. To maintain its global viewpoint, examples are used from around the world, international standards are discussed, and the statutes and rules explain the law from more than fifty (50) countries. It is truly a global approach to cloud computing!