The workshop was carried out within the Logical European project, funded by the Central Europe territorial cooperation Programme, of which the Province of Bologna is partner.

The aim of the meeting was to investigate the issue of the computerization of companies’ logistics services and the opportunities offered by cloud computing.

Graziano Prantoni (Councilor for the Province of Bologna) started the meeting and introduced the Logical project, with an overview of the initiatives promoted by the Province in the field of logistics.

Giovanni Pieretti (Director of the Department of Sociology) presented some interesting areas of study for logistics and cloud computing, with particular reference to privacy and data processing.

Marino Cavallo (Province of Bologna) highlighted the importance of logistics as a lever for the development of industrial areas characterized by the presence of small and medium-sized enterprises, and for the reduction of negative externalities and pollution. Cavallo also stressed the importance of computerization of companies to increase their competitiveness, efficiency and productivity with particular reference to the logistics sector. This is also demonstrated by the surveys carried out in the industrial areas of the territory: the companies have confirmed their interest in innovative logistics services.

Marco Barbi (Softech ICT University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) described the features and functionalities of cloud computing, presenting it not as a product but as a service, through which resources are shared. In particular, he illustrated the experience of the Kassetts European project (http://www.kassetts.eu).

Luigia Sampietro (Province of Bologna) and Giuseppe Dall'Asta (Interporto) presented the results of the survey carried out among the local businesses.

Enrico Tasquier introduced Dedanex, DEDAGROUP and its business in cloud computing services, focusing on the strengths and opportunities of these information systems.

Marco Audisio presented the Arcese Spa Group's logistics services for the e-commerce.

Massimo Vapori described the organization of the Artoni Spa, with particular reference to the implemented cloud computing solutions.

Gabriele Manella (CePCiT Department of Sociology) and William Brunelli (Unindustria) drew the conclusions of the workshop, presenting a swot analysis on cloud computing, in which they also highlighted the positive impacts generated on the environment.