Google has said that businesses who try to get special treatment with cloud providers will not succeed instead customer service should be based on vendor selection.

Cindy Yip, legal head of Google’s European enterprise division, said: “It wouldn’t be practical for a cloud service provider to meet the demands of one customer.”

Yip stated that as cloud computing providers can offer IT services at a lower cost than traditional outsourcers due to their commoditised services and delivery from multitenant architecture – it is not in their interest to provide custom service offerings.

Yip said that customers will try to negotiate special deals regarding data security and service level agreements.

It is predicted that cloud service providers will not be negotiable as the same service is needed for all businesses. One universal and similar service for all customers will guarantee the reductions in service charges.

Yip advised that a better way for customers to ensure their demands are met is to find a provider with an appropriate SLA, and to ‘shop around’ for potential suppliers. She added that customers' time would be better spent establishing who takes responsibility in the event of a data breach than attempting to receive special security provisions.

Google’s remarks will be seen as discouraging for many businesses who are attracted to the cost savings of cloud computing but also want a tailored service due to their unique set up and requirements. Time will tell whether the option of ‘vendor selection’ will be enough for businesses wanting a specific service agreement and a business arrangement which is uniquely their own.