Regulatory aspects of cloud computing

The paper deals with regulatory issues related to cloud computing that include interrelationships with broadband connectivity, data protection and privacy, quality of cloud services and competitive market development. Cloud computing architecture and service models are presented on the base of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and International Telecommunication Union approaches. Regulatory aspects of cloud computing are discussed in the context of smaller countries and smaller national economies Special attention is paid to communication service providers in the role of cloud service providers, and electronic communications market in smaller countries with majority of micro enterprises and SMEs as potential cloud service users. Regarding market development, short SWOT analysis of the Croatian case and elements of European cloud computing strategy are discussed.