Cloud Computing Law: Transactions

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cloud-computing-law-transactions

Introduction

### Course Review: Cloud Computing Law: Transactions on Coursera In the digital age, a solid understanding of cloud computing and its legal implications is invaluable for professionals across various sectors. The Coursera course titled "Cloud Computing Law: Transactions" is a comprehensive program designed to demystify the often complex legal landscape surrounding cloud services. Whether you are a legal professional, IT specialist, or business executive, this course promises to equip you with essential insights to navigate the intricacies of cloud computing contracts. #### Course Overview The course begins with fundamental concepts, explaining what cloud computing is and how it differs from traditional in-house IT systems. The curriculum addresses crucial questions everyone has pondered when utilizing cloud services: Who really owns the data uploaded to the cloud? What rights do you have as a customer? And how can you manage the risks associated with cloud transactions? As the course progresses, you will delve into various facets of cloud computing law, including standard and negotiated cloud contracts, intellectual property rights, and the critical aspects of data ownership and control. The course is structured over several weeks, with each module focusing on a specific theme, allowing for structured learning that builds on previously established concepts. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Understanding Cloud Computing** - This foundational week covers types of cloud services and deployment models, helping learners grasp the fundamental differences from in-house IT. It also introduces the legal implications tied to these services, emphasizing the importance of data location and customer-provider relationships. By the end of this week, you'll be prepared to identify key legal and regulatory risks cloud customers should consider. 2. **Standard Cloud Contracts** - The focus shifts to the contracts that govern cloud services. This module dissects typical clauses found in cloud contracts, highlighting the differences between providers and how they deviate from traditional IT contracts. Learners will understand the rights and obligations of both parties, gaining insights into legal frameworks that protect customer interests. 3. **Negotiated Cloud Contracts** - Here, the discussion turns to larger businesses and government entities that often have more leverage in negotiations. The course addresses factors that can influence contract negotiations and what conditions may be more favorable for customers. By the conclusion of this week, you will have a clearer picture of how to approach contract negotiations effectively. 4. **Intellectual Property in the Cloud** - This week explores who owns the data and information in the cloud. It breaks down the complexities of information ownership versus control, which can often be at odds. The module helps clarify how customers can protect their data and intellectual property in the cloud environment, a vital area for anyone working with sensitive information. #### Why You Should Take This Course This course comes highly recommended for several reasons: - **Expert Instruction**: The course is structured and taught by knowledgeable professionals who provide a nuanced and practical perspective on cloud computing law. - **Real-World Applications**: The curriculum emphasizes practical applications, using real-world scenarios and contracts to illustrate points, making the content relevant and immediately applicable. - **Flexible Learning**: Offered on Coursera, the course allows for self-paced learning, giving you the freedom to fit education into your schedule. - **Networking Opportunities**: Engaging in this course allows connections with peers interested in similar topics, enhancing your professional network. #### Conclusion "Cloud Computing Law: Transactions" is an essential course for individuals seeking to understand the legal intricacies of cloud computing. The well-designed syllabus, expert insights, and practical focus make it a top choice for anyone who interacts with cloud services, whether you're drafting contracts, negotiating terms, or ensuring compliance with regulations. Take this course and empower yourself to navigate the complex world of cloud computing law with confidence.

Syllabus

Understanding Cloud Computing

This week, we cover the basics of cloud computing. We look at how cloud computing technology works and how it differs from traditional, in-house IT. We explain that cloud is not 'one thing': instead, there are different service types and deployment models, as well as so-called 'layered' services. We then look at the legal implications of different cloud services. Finally, we consider the importance of data location and the relationship between cloud customers and providers. By the end of this week, you will be able to identify the legal and regulatory risks that a potential cloud customer should consider.

The relationship between the cloud customer and the provider is governed by contract. Cloud contracts set out the parties' rights and obligations. They also cover issues such as choice of law and forum, liability in case of breach of contract, how changes might be made, and what happens when a contract is terminated. This week, we look at the clauses typically found in standard cloud contracts and what these might mean in practice for both customers and providers. We highlight how these clauses can differ per provider - and how cloud contracts differ from other IT contracts, such as those for outsourcing and IP licensing. By the end of this week, you should describe the terms a cloud customer is likely to find in standard cloud contracts.

Standard cloud contracts typically favour the provider. However, large businesses or government departments can sometimes negotiate more favourable terms with cloud providers. This week, we look at the factors that influence whether cloud providers will negotiate terms with customers, as well as the terms customers want to negotiate - and how those negotiations typically develop. By the end of this week, you will be able to describe a cloud customer's prospects for negotiating contract terms with a cloud provider.

This week, we look at questions of 'ownership' of information stored, created, processed, and distributed in cloud environments. We examine the information flows between cloud providers and their customers and distinguish between content that is stored and processed by users, from information generated by cloud providers. We'll see that, although intellectual property law may determine ownership rights in relevant information, the law does not necessarily achieve what parties to cloud computing transactions expect or need. Moreover, in practice, ownership may be less important than control over, and access to, information. By the end of this week, you will be able to describe how a cloud customer can protect and control information in the cloud.