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.

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

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.

Intellect, the UK High Tech Trade Association, welcomes the introduction of the Cloud Industry Forum, which addresses the need for Cloud Service Providers to establish themselves as responsible organisations offering services to customers at all levels in the UK. The idea of providing assured business information to equip customers will provide a valuable extra check to support the selection of suppliers and encourage the wider adoption of proven services. Thus bringing added value to all players in this fast growing marketplace.

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 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.

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

We believe that joining the Cloud Industry Forum shows FrontRange Solutions' commitment to delivering best-in-class Software as a Service solutions as well as working with a wide variety of partners to drive awareness, adoption and best practice in managing cloud-based services and solutions

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.

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.

Cloud computing presents end users with the opportunity to do more with less, however there is still work to be done in driving trust in cloud based services. We fully support CIF’s messaging, which is to assist business users in identifying and investing in secure, reliable services, and our company values go hand-in-hand with this aim. CIF educates the end user on how to identify the most suitable and cost-effective services for them and we in turn endeavour to provide our customers with low-cost, high-quality services.

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.

As technologies like cloud develop at pace it is vital that pioneers come together and share their knowledge for the future of the industry. The Cloud Industry Forum plays a crucial role in ensuring that the technologies of tomorrow are maintained and developed to the highest standards. The hosting platforms that businesses place their trust in must keep the security of their customers at the top of the agenda and the CIF will encourage this best practice.

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.

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.