IT services giant Patni Computer Systems has launched a new initiative designed to help customers accelerate their journey towards cloud computing environments.

The Cloud Acceleration Program (CAP) is the first in a series of software and consulting initiatives aimed at taking the guesswork out of moving to cloud-based solutions, according to the firm.

CAP uses proven Patni processes and methodologies to ensure that independent service providers and application developers take a business-driven approach to cloud computing.

The initiative has been designed to contain IT costs, protect important assets, plan for disaster recovery, integrate global business processes, and advance business continuity and business agility, said the firm.

"Companies are trying to determine the technical and financial merits of pursuing a cloud-based approach for all aspects of their IT footprints," said Satish Joshi, executive vice president and global technology head at Patni.

"Patni's cloud services initiatives will help customers make informed choices about their IT environments to ensure a smooth, rapid transition to the cloud while minimising risk and keeping operating expenses in check."

CAP features three key components - an applications architecture, a return on investment analysis and an IT governance model - and offers an ecosystem of applications and infrastructure providers to help accelerate customer deployments.