Explores the market opportunities for cloud computing in India. Cloud Computing is a new paradigm in information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services(ITES) that transforms "computing as a resource" to "computing as a service". It is a disruptive technology with influence pervading across all aspects of a modern economy. While this has the potential of leapfrogging the economy of emerging markets like India, the adoption and deployment in such countries poses a unique set of technological, business, and regulatory challenges. Examines the viability of developing cloud computing markets, applications, and services in India. [Note: This IEEE Standards Association ("IEEE-SA") Industry Connections publication ("Work") is not a consensus standard document. Specifically, this document is NOT AN IEEE STANDARD. Information contained in this work has been created by, or obtained from, sources believed to be reliable, and reviewed by members of the IEEE-SA Industry Connections activity that produced this Work. IEEE and the IEEE-SA Industry Connections activity members expressly disclaim all warranties (express, implied, and statutory) related to this Work, including, but not limited to, the warranties of: merchantability; fitness for a particular purpose; non-infringement; quality, accuracy, effectiveness, currency, or completeness of the Work or content within the Work. In addition, IEEE and the IEEE-SA Industry Connections activity members disclaim any and all conditions relating to: results; and workmanlike effort. This IEEE-SA Industry Connections document is supplied "AS IS" and "WITH ALL FAULTS"].

This paper represents the consolidated work of a significant body of experts from industry, government, academia, and professional bodies that came together within the CCICI to assess global trends in Cloud Computing, the status of India, India-specific challenges and opportunities, and recommendations to accelerate Cloud Computing adoption and innovation in India. This paper presents a roadmap for Cloud Computing in India spanning the following three phases: 1.) Foundation and adoption; 2.) Penetration and scale out; 3.) Maturity and global leadership. The next five years are expected to be an exponential growth phase for Cloud Computing in India. Rapid adoption of cloud in the global market and the prolific innovation for the cloud and on the cloud, represents a disruptive play in the IT/ITES industry. This is a great opportunity as well as threat for India's IT/ITES industry. A proper strategy and focus on innovation is essential to be able to ride this wave as opposed to being washed away by it.