Microsoft supports independent research on data privacy, security for SMEs, others

Since cloud computing can potentially enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to significantly boost the nation’s economic growth, Microsoft Nigeria has given a $35,000 grant to the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) to support an independent study.

This study, which will be on the Gaps in Data Privacy and Security, will focus basically on the SMB/SME and education sectors that currently account for 40 percent of the nation’s GDP, but the sectors’ use of ICT is currently put at a low percentage. This ICT usage can however be accelerated using the cloud given its ubiquitousness, accessibility from anywhere and any device including older PCs with limited computing power, ease of use, affordability and pay per use model.

As the first and only cloud service provider, after an extensive review, to receive an endorsement from the European Union’s data protection authorities, Microsoft has assured of its continued effort to ensure strict compliance with the highest data protection and security standards worldwide for cloud services while espousing the socio-economic benefits that the accelerated adoption of cloud services will bring to Nigerian businesses and governmental agencies.

This disclosure is coming on the heels of the provision of $35,000 grant to the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) to advance research studies on the Gaps in Data Privacy and Security.

Following the US National Security Agency (NSA) PRISM/Snowden leakage saga where sensitive security information became public knowledge, governments and companies have become wary, especially of entrusting private vital information to a third party. To address disquiets such as this, Microsoft elected to fund an independent research by NIALS which will among others, focus on how concerns on data privacy, security of data, data sovereignty/ localisation and management should be approached to ensure that these fundamental apprehensions do not slow down the adoption of cloud services in Nigeria.

This is especially so with government’s realisation of the importance of cloud computing as a means of enhancing e-government service across all sectors, and particularly in the areas of health, agriculture and education.

A BCG study published in 2013 and a McKinsey study published in 2011 highlight the importance of SMEs being able to access affordable best-in-class tools such as public cloud services which foster innovation and significantly increase productivity.

Speaking on the software giant’s commitment to the penetration and development of ICT in the country, Kabelo Makwane, country managing director, Microsoft Nigeria, says the company has in its 14 years of operation in Nigeria directly and indirectly contributed in no small measure to the government’s objective of creating jobs and wealth.

“Microsoft’s extensive programmes for Academic Institutions via its Partners in Learning (PIL) programme under which it also has the Worldwide Education and Innovative Teachers Forum, YouthSpark and programmes on eLearning requirements for academia and students have been enabling the digitisation of relevant educational content and information and classroom experience on mobile devices and social media leveraging cloud computing,” he also says.

Adedeji O. Adekunle, a professor and director-general of NIALS, states that the Microsoft-funded research by NIALS will frame the key legal and policy issues that are critical enablers of cloud computing. This includes the right legal and policy environment to support and mandate improved broadband speeds among others to grow cloud services, which is critical as low bandwidth and slow connectivity hinder cloud adoption.

Adekunle further says that this research will also define and identify the transformation opportunity created by cloud computing, including the accelerated rollout of e-government services across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and highlight how cloud computing is being broadly adopted in developed markets.

Speaking on the research, Kabelo says this independent research which will be publicly available on NIALS’ and Microsoft’s websites amongst others will add to the body of knowledge on Gaps in Data Privacy and Security, the socio-economic benefits of accelerated adoption of cloud services, the potential of cloud computing services to transform and accelerate the growth of SMEs and the Education Sector in Nigeria and ultimately the Nigerian economy. He hopes that this research will additionally promote independent and objective research on key technology and policy issues and trends, public awareness of important IT trends such as cloud computing and related issues and greater understanding of the IT industry.

He also states that Microsoft and NIALS are excited about this strategic partnership which they both consider a great opportunity for their organisations and one they are keen to further extend. The partnership is important to Microsoft as a thought leader on key technology and policy issues and developments including cloud computing.

Copy of the BCG report and the executive summary of the McKinsey study and the full report are all available online.

OLUYINKA ALAWODE