In my 20+ years working in the IT industry this is the first accreditation programme I've actively participated in, which can and will deliver real and quantifiable assurances to the end user around Cloud services. Such assurances have been inherent with other professional services bodies for many years now - so this is long overdue. Trust and Transparency are values which are at the core of ChannelCloud UK/Ireland and therefore becoming a member of the CIF has been a natural progression for us.

Whilst we will take the lead on this market activity we equally recognise that the Cloud Industry Forum has been leading the charge for better practice and transparency in the Cloud. Its Code of Practice is a ground breaking initiative offering end users the transparency and security they need in taking the decision to migrate to the cloud, and an initiative such is this is something we can support and reflects our values and commitment.

Access to the networked resources provided by 'clouds' enables companies to enter markets without having to meet the capital costs of building their own computer infrastructure. What they get instead is a sort of 'pay as you go' service tailored to their specific requirements.

The rapid adoption of cloud computing has seen cloud-based services become a central part of business strategy, with its ability to deliver flexibility and drive down cost being two of the main benefits for end users. This partnership further reflects our commitment to the cloud and more importantly our cloud-based customers.

Facilitating consistent management across compute resources in the data center and in private, public or hybrid clouds is critical to the industry's success. The Cloud Industry Forum will help build trust with customers looking for secure, stable, and effective cloud computing solutions so that they can monitor and manage service delivery with confidence. The Cloud Industry Forum's Code of Practice initiative is a fundamental step to encourage transparency and best practices in cloud computing.

We fully support CIF’s goal, which is to assist business users in identifying and investing in secure and robust Cloud services. We have been focused on delivering innovative new technology to provide secure search for the cloud, so we are aware of the importance of best practice in this sector. We understand the value of Cloud Industry Forum’s messaging and we are delighted to be joining them in championing their Code of Practice.

The cloud is high on the agenda for many CIOs and channel partners. Today Microsoft is witnessing a rapid adoption of Cloud Services, and over the next few years significant implementation is anticipated within the UK. Providing leadership for customers and partners in the development of agreed standards and sharing of best practices in this new era of technology is an important and valuable role in supporting the transition to the cloud

It is essential that all major stakeholders in the cloud industry ecosystem participate in the cloud industry forum to build trust in the industry as a whole.

Alex Hilton,

Managing Director

The cloud industry forum aims to bring together like minded organisations determined to deliver common standards in security, privacy and interoperability that our end users can have faith in.

Cloud computing is the future of computing and is rapidly becoming fully mainstream. The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) and its code of practice will help ensure that the highest standards are maintained. As well as ensuring CIF members are appropriately skilled and regularly assessed, businesses will appreciate the peace of mind as well as a clearly defined industry standard with which they can assess their suppliers, and undertake Cloud implementations with the highest confidence and trust. Outsourcery fully endorses the principles of CIF and is proud to be a founding member.

The traditional model of delivering software and it services has gone beyond the on-premise model. Our industry has changed as has the market. As we move towards a new business model end users need the confidence that only an authoritative code of practice can bring.

Organisations seeking to use cloud services need a straightforward form of certification or 'code of practice' for potential suppliers that will accurately define the services offered, standards of operation and security

Like with any traditional technology, customers expect the cloud to demonstrate transparency, capability and accountability, and we are confident that our robust and specialised solutions offer the stability needed to encourage businesses to work closely with cloud service providers to become more efficient.

As an industry we must build trust with customers ensuring they can rely on secure, stable, and effective cloud computing solutions. It's about helping users make decisions about which model is best for them and giving them security in the choices they make

We very much look forward to working with CIF and helping them to succeed in delivering a credible and certifiable code of practice for the cloud industry as well as bringing business, consumers and suppliers of cloud services closer together in a trusted and sustainable marketplace.