Most companies considering a move to a cloud computing environment want the virtual environment to be as open as the one they currently have. For a small business, streamlining its IT operations into the cloud is relatively straightforward, but the enterprise-level cloud is a far more complex matter as large companies need to transform mature data centre infrastructures and operations into a new and open environment.
The majority of today’s cloud environments deploy open source technologies. Open source software and standards are widely expected to play a continuing and crucial role in the growth of cloud computing – advancing both its development and value.
Several major technology companies such as Cisco, EMC, SAP and VMware have signed up to an ‘Open Cloud Manifesto’ which calls for more consistent security and monitoring of cloud services. This cross-industry initiative brings together leading IT companies who are committed to ensuring that cloud computing continues to develop as an open, collaborative and flexible architecture. But other key industry players, including Amazon.com and Google, are yet to come on board.
In the meantime, until broad industry consensus is reached as to the open nature of cloud computing, there are a number of web standards which all companies operating in the cloud should be aware of.
The main standard – ISO 27001 – covers security certification. As well as laying the foundations for third party audit, it follows OECD principles which govern the security of information and network systems.
To find out how your business can tap into open source cloud computing, contact Optim IP today.
