UK business lost in a cloud
The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), the new industry association formed to promote trust within cloud computing by introducing a code of practice, voices concern that UK businesses are confused about cloud computing.
New findings from market research and consulting firm, Chadwick Martin Bailey claims 24% of polled IT decision-makers failed to adequately define cloud computing.
The chairman of the CIF group and Fasthosts CEO, Andy Burton, commented: "This figure highlights the importance of having both a standard frame of reference to define cloud services and a code of practice that aims to standardise and certify organisations offering those cloud computing services. Businesses need to trust and know exactly what technology and provider they are investing in. The absence of a clear definition of who you are dealing with and how they operate results in an inevitable lack of trust which is why firms are failing to take up the cloud. The CIF Code of Practice is intended to enable suppliers to demonstrate the transparency, accountability and capability needed to reassure consumers of their services."
According to the survey, 25% of respondents believed that cloud computing does not offer a secure environment for the types of applications they require.
Andy continued: "We recognise that security, technical interoperability and commercial trust are the three major concerns for adoption of cloud services. By developing a straightforward Code of Practice that certifies these and other key operations principles, we expect to help the consuming businesses achieve a level of trust, much like the padlock symbol used for website security does, it will benefit them and the many credible and professional cloud operators in the industry."
The study shows that cloud computing structures are mostly used for databases, corporate email and storage resources. Approximately two-thirds of all organisations are currently using some form of cloud computing. Andy concluded: "This is a positive figure which shows the industry is rapidly expanding. I am confident when the Code of Practice is fully established even more cloud users will be identified increasing this figure to include a vast majority of organisations."
