Intel has unveiled new initiatives under its Cloud 2015 vision, which is aimed at making cloud-based internet computing more interoperable, secure and simplified for all concerned.

Aside from the usual trust issues, there’s been a lot of talk about the cloud over the last few weeks, especially from Microsoft’s ex-Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie, who, in a leaving note, said Microsoft must look beyond the PC to evolve.

Intel’s vision is made up of three elements: a “federated” cloud that allows enterprises to share data across internal and external clouds; an “automated” network that automatically allows the secure movement of applications and resources to significantly improve energy efficiency in data centers; and PC and device-savvy “client-aware” clouds that know what types of applications, commands and processing should take place in the cloud or on device.

The Open Data Center Alliance is a coalition of around 70 businesses that together represent more than $50 billion in annual IT investment. It aims to lay out future hardware and software requirements that lead to more open and interoperable cloud and data center solutions. Intel plays an advisory role within this alliance.

“The industry has an opportunity to accelerate the potential of cloud computing, delivering even better industry economics through this transformation,” said Kirk Skaugen, VP and General Manager, Intel Data Center Group. “With the Open Data Center Alliance we now have the world’s top businesses focused and actively engaged with Intel and the high-tech industry, accelerating solutions to the cloud’s key challenges.”

Intel Cloud Builders aim to provide a path to the Cloud 2015 vision. Intel announced a significant expansion of this program that brings together system and software partners to provide proven cloud building and guidance on how to deploy, maintain and optimise a cloud infrastructure.

Intel says it will support these goals by creating software and building new capabilities into Intel Xeon processors.