Cloud Industry Forum and Asia Cloud Computing Association sign up to a collaborative partnership

The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), the industry body established to promote trust, security, and transparency within the sector, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its peer in the East, the Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA).

Founded in September 2010, ACCA is a member driven, Asia focused non-profit organisation with a mission to accelerate adoption of cloud computing. Its membership includes a diverse profile of influential cloud providers, consumers and government cloud stakeholders, working together to provide thought leadership for cloud computing in the region and to remove obstacles to adoption. In addition, ACCA has developed an excellent set of tools, including their Cloud Readiness Index (ACCA CRI) and Cloud Assessment Tool (ACCA CAT).

CIF has established the only independent, certifiable Code of Practice in existence, which requires service providers to clearly stipulate their position against three sets of measures under the key principles of Transparency, Capability and Accountability. Membership is open to everyone, and participation in the Code of Practice is not dependent on becoming a member. CIF also lobbies and represents members on behalf of the industry on issues such as connectivity, international standards and collaboration on technical integration and security.

Andy Burton, the founder of CIF, stated: “In Per Dahlberg, and his organisation ACCA, we have found a like-minded evangelist and advocate for the cloud who champions adoption of IT as a service. The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed with ACCA establishes a reciprocal partnership designed to encourage best practice amongst Cloud Service Providers as well as educating and informing end-user organisations on cloud computing issues. This is therefore a hugely significant relationship for both parties as we continue to drive the market forward in our respective geographies.”

Under the terms of the MoU, CIF and ACCA will work together on a number of initiatives, including:
• Collaboration on global matters requiring lobbying and education
• Building, sharing and licensing research and resources to aid the education and development of the cloud market
• Promoting and managing the CIF self-certification across Asia
• Promoting the ACCA CAT across UK and Europe
• Supporting mutual membership where appropriate

Per Dahlberg, CEO, ACCA, added: “There is now no doubt that the buzz around the concept of cloud has reached new heights. Many in the IT industry are claiming it will be the next evolution of the internet. Equally there are sceptical voices to be heard. But as with every new trend in the IT world, organisations are looking to identify the benefits and risks of Cloud Computing and the best way to use it.

“What is needed now is an objective, clearly understood approach to the concept of cloud computing that will detail how it will impact business, how it can be used with existing investments, and just which supplier can offer the best solution for a particular business need. CIF has driven the debate not only in the UK, but across Europe and beyond, to ensure that cloud providers work together to ensure that challenges to cloud adoption are addressed. This principle is one we share and through this alliance ACCA and CIF can deliver a consistent global message to both providers and end users alike, no matter the territory and we are excited to be in partnership to ensure common practice and knowledge is shared globally,” he concluded.