Keywords: cloud computing, Web 2.0, social networks, civil engineering, engineering collaboration, requirements.

The continuous process improvement by the strategic implementation of innovative information and communication technologies is essential for the long-term survival of construction firms [3]. The problem of the above statement is that because of the specifics of the AEC sector, more then 95% of EU AEC related companies are small to medium size companies, IT departments of those companies cannot cope with the pace of the advancements in technology and software. The cloud computing model, together with other related technologies and business practices, can provide the required information and communication infrastructure that will enable SMEs to compete with larger engineering companies. This paper identifies several potential benefits of adopting a cloud computing model, including lovering IT costs, enabling mobility and open job market, hardware and software consolidation, etc.

But while cloud computing has many benefits, many IT professionals and researchers have expressed concerns about some of the risks still associated with the concept. Most of these risks involve data security. Where is data stored? What happens if the cloud service go down? What happens to the user's data if the cloud service provider must shut down operations or is absorbed by another service provider? All of these situations could deeply affect a corporation's operating activities or their privacy and must be resolved in the near future.

This paper examines the cloud computing model and other related technologies and trends through requirements [4] and expectations of a typical civil engineering SME.

1

R. Klinc, M. Dolenc, Z. Turk, "Engineering collaboration 2.0: requirements and expectations", ITcon, 14, Special Issue Next Generation Construction IT: Technology Foresight, Future Studies, Roadmapping, and Scenario Planning, 473-488, 2009. http://www.itcon.org/2009/31

2

P. Mell, T. Grance, "The NIST definition of Cloud Computing", http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/SNS/cloud-computing/cloud-def-v15.doc

3

R.A. Stewart, "IT enhanced project information management in construction: Pathways to improved performance and strategic competitiveness", Automation in Construction, 16(4), 511-517, 2008. doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2006.09.001

4

M. Dolenc, P. Katranuschkov, A. Gehre, K. Kurowski, Z. Turk, "The InteliGrid platform for virtual organisations interoperability", ITcon, 12, 459-477, 200. http://www.itcon.org/2007/30

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