Nations Ranking Highest for Efficiently Deploying Cloud

Singapore, Finland and Sweden are the top nations adopting and deploying cloud services most efficiently, according to a new report from MIT and Infosys. The U.S. is way down at no. 17.

The inaugural Global Cloud Ecosystem Index 2022 looked at global cloud development and innovation in 76 countries and territories. The report measured technology, talent, and regulatory policy in terms of supporting cloud computing services.

The cloud has become an integral part of increasing a country’s productivity. Nations and territories were ranked across four areas: ecosystem adoption, infrastructure, human affinity and talent, and lastly, security and assurance.

“Data gathered from the Global Cloud Ecosystem Index validates that now, more than ever, there is urgency to go to the cloud from both enterprises and policymakers, as cloud can create positive economic impact,” says Ravi Kumar S., president of Infosys.

MIT Technology Review Insights collaborated with Infosys Cobalt, a set of solutions, platforms and services from Infosys for cloud-powered enterprise transformation.

There were several key findings.

Digital infrastructure is key to supporting a country’s cloud computing capabilities. The leading nations could rely on a concentration of data centers and secure servers, along with dependable broadband service.

Governments established a “trust infrastructure,” meaning their digital channels were secure, effective and efficient, thanks to regulatory and public policies.

In Singapore and European countries, the rights of digital consumers were maintained and internet service providers were kept in check from ballooning into monopolies.

An ‘’ecocycle,” or virtuous cycle, emerged, which allowed cloud services to flexibly scale and distribute computing resources based on the demands of businesses and consumers. ‘Digital waste’ was decreased, which allowed firms to optimize their computing resources and share information.

Iran, India and Vietnam were the top emerging nations demonstrating the importance of how the cloud can retain talent. In developing countries, the talent and human affinity category was a major factor in attracting skilled workers to handle process-intensive projects at scale and implement infrastructure.

“The future of work will depend heavily on effective cloud transformations to create a dynamic digital future that uplifts and equalizes us all, ensuring more opportunities for everyone, irrespective of location,” said Kumar S.

This article first appeared in IoT World Today’s sister publication AI Business.