Standards consensus achieved by Cloud Industry Forum

Over 200 organisations went through the two month process of reviewing the draft Code, which aims to eventually standardise and certify enterprises offering Cloud Computing services. The Code of Practice encompasses a wide range of issues incorporating areas such as operational issues, delivery, financial viability of suppliers, governance and technology standards and interoperability.

 

“Interest in CIF has been growing rapidly since we announced its formation and since that time the founding members have been working hard to develop a detailed Code of Practice,” said Andy Burton, Chairman of CIF and CEO of Fasthosts. “What was critical in the development of the Code was not only the process of public consultation but critically a period during which our members could pilot the Code of Practice itself. That has taken over four months, raised a number of issues that had to be resolved relating to governance, transparency, capability and accountability, as well as detailed and comprehensive pilots being run by a number of CIF members.

 

He added: “We firmly believe that the market needs a credible and certifiable Code of Practice that provides transparency of Cloud services such that consumers can have clarity and confidence in their choice of provider. The market now has that benchmark.” 

 

 

Gaining a consensus view was seen as essential for successful take up of the Code.  “The consensus from the Code of Practice consultation exercise was that a major hurdle for increased adoption of the Cloud by businesses is that organisations need clarity around what the service providers do and don’t offer,” said Piers Linney, Joint CEO, Outsourcery and member of CIF. “They also need to know what financial and operational substance there is behind these providers and what assurances are in place in regard to security, confidentiality and service levels? 

 

“Put simply – organisations seeking to use these services need a straightforward form of certification or ‘Code of Practice’ for potential suppliers that will accurately define the services offered and standards of operation and security. We see the launch of the Code today as key to driving up standards so that the industry and the customers both benefit.”

 

The launch of the Code of Practice was welcomed by EuroCloud UK, the fast-growing industry body for SaaS and Cloud vendors. “We welcome this initiative which has been launched today as it helps end users as they look to the industry to define and agree on best practices for Cloud Computing which they can rely on,” said Phil Wainewright, EuroCloud UK president.

 

“Organisations seeking to use these services need a straightforward form of certification or ‘Code of Practice’ for potential suppliers that will unambiguously define the services offered, standards of operation and security,” he added. “The CIF Code helps further EuroCloud’s strategy to develop an industry-wide framework for customer confidence in the quality and integrity of cloud delivered services.” 

 

He added: “EuroCloud UK is keen to hear from anyone who has concerns and feedback so that we can continue to build confidence in the Cloud. It is our goal to ensure that the work of EuroCloud and the Cloud Industry Forum is aligning market understanding of best practice that will bring end users and reputable service providers closer together.”

 

Roland van Breukelen, Business By Design, Business Development, SAP UK, commented: “SAP, as a member of the EuroCloud UK Board, is delighted to see initiatives, such as the Code of Practice from the Cloud Industry Forum, to help increase awareness and confidence in cloud computing through establishing a consistent set of vendor information which customers can review before signing up to an on demand service.”