The Register: CISPE framework aids EU Data Act compliance, cloud switching

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/08/cispe_eu_data_act/
Source: The Register
Title: CISPE framework aids EU Data Act compliance, cloud switching

Feedly Summary: ‘It helps Euro organizations to avoid lock-in and design the cloud strategy they want’
European cloud consortium CISPE has unveiled a framework to help members and their customers automate compliance with the EU Data Act’s obligations around data portability and switching.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses the CISPE’s new Cloud Switching Framework tailored to the EU Data Act, aiming to facilitate compliance for cloud service providers and customers concerning data portability and provider switching. This initiative is crucial for avoiding vendor lock-in and enabling flexible cloud strategies across Europe, highlighting the importance of operational compliance in the cloud landscape.

Detailed Description: The CISPE (Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe) has introduced the Cloud Switching Framework, which is designed to assist member organizations and their customers in automating compliance with the forthcoming EU Data Act. With the law set to become applicable in September 2025, this framework is significant in promoting data exchange and usage within the EU. Here are certain key points of importance:

– **Purpose of the EU Data Act**:
– Promotes the exchange and usage of data within Europe.
– Establishes regulations on who can access and utilize data across various sectors.
– Aims to empower customers to seamlessly switch between cloud services, aiding those considering single or multi-cloud strategies.

– **Cloud Switching Framework Objectives**:
– Simplifies compliance processes for cloud service transitions dictated by the EU Data Act.
– Functions as a comprehensive service declaration framework for the switch process.
– Incorporates guidelines and technical requirements to ensure compliance with the new obligations.

– **Operational Compliance and Automation**:
– Provides a checklist for cloud providers to demonstrate compliance, enhancing transparency.
– Enables cloud providers to submit machine-readable declarations of adherence, fostering automation of compliance checks.

– **Key Compliance Elements**:
– Clear and detailed information must be presented about switching processes, data formats, costs, and technical limitations.
– Contracts must allow for switching between providers and specify switching assistance and data export requirements.

– **Industry Support and Implications**:
– Major auditors collaborated on the framework, aligning it with ISO/IEC 17021-1 standards for conformity assessments.
– Organizations, as indicated by IDC’s survey, are increasingly moving workloads due to cost efficiency and concerns over vendor lock-in, making this framework increasingly relevant.

– **Community Reaction**:
– The CISPE framework is seeing positive reception from industry players, including AWS, who view it as an essential tool for navigating cloud compliance as the deadline approaches.

– **Recent Developments**:
– CISPE’s recent complaint against Microsoft regarding anti-competitive behavior highlights ongoing scrutiny in the cloud market, demonstrating the necessity and timeliness of CISPE’s initiatives in policy regulation and market competition.

This framework not only aids organizations in cultivating a flexible cloud strategy but also prepares them for impending compliance requirements, positioning them to better manage risks associated with vendor lock-in and operational inefficiency. Security and compliance professionals should closely follow these developments as they can impact cloud service configurations and regulatory obligations moving forward.