Cloud Industry Forum touts code of conduct

The Cloud Industry Forum aims to define standards for cloud computing

A group is being formed to decide codes of conduct within the growing cloud computing industry.

The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) is being set up by IT pressure group the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) and Investors in Software to define standards for cloud computing and set up some form of professional accreditation for the industry.

"The cloud revolution has been growing steadily for the past few years. It is now on the verge of becoming mainstream within the IT industry, encompassing a broad range of potential suppliers from independent software vendors to hosting companies and global brands, such as Microsoft and Google," said John Lovelock, chief executive at FAST.

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

"We see the launch of such a code of conduct driving up standards so that the industry and the customers both benefit."

The CIF will soon announce the names of companies involved in the project. Based on the history of FAST, it is likely to include the biggest names in IT, but other companies are also being asked for their input.

"The role of CIF is to simply work alongside this fast evolving industry, making sure it follows certain standards and therefore deters potential cowboy operators from misleading customers and bringing the industry into disrepute," said CIF chairman Andy Burton.

"If we can develop a standard that users trust, much like the padlock symbol relating to web site security, it will be an asset not only to the user but to the serious and credible cloud technology companies operating in this space."