NZ cloud industry welcomes CloudCode progress

Cloud computing industry leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the next major version of the New Zealand Cloud Computing Code of Practice, released today by the Institute of IT Professionals NZ (IITP).

"The release of Version 2 of the CloudCode is a significant milestone and puts New Zealand's cloud industry at the forefront globally while paving the way for international adoption," says Paul Matthews, CEO, IITP.

The Cloud Computing Code of Practice, or CloudCode as it is known, outlines a range of disclosures that Cloud Computing providers should make to users of their services.

Signatories to the CloudCode agree to make these disclosures for their products and services and agree not to participate in "cloud-washing", or falsely claiming products meet the accepted definition of Cloud Computing.

"This latest version is a major step forward and readies the CloudCode for the release of the Register of CloudCode Signatories next month, prepares the CloudCode for international adoption, releases the quality mark for CloudCode Signatories and clarifies a number of other areas," Matthews says.

Revamped Code

The Code has been developed with input from over 250 New Zealand cloud providers, users and other stakeholders over a two-year period. Cloud computing suppliers, many of whom helped establish the Code, have today voiced their support.

"It's great to see New Zealand leading the world in the transition to the cloud," says Rod Drury, CEO, Xero.

"The interest from overseas parties in what we're doing here has been great for our local industry which is leading the charge in responsible cloud practices.

Adding to Drury's claims, Web Drive general manager Robin Dickie says: "We plan to distribute CloudCode to our 25,000 customers to help educate the marketplace on what Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is all about.

"Many competitors have their own definitions of Cloud services, however we are excited to join the Institute of IT Professionals in creating an industry-wide standard.

OneNet managing director Michael Snowden also approved, saying: "I am delighted that the CloudCode has come to fruition.

"Cloud computing has enormous potential to lower IT costs, increase security and provide a powerful platform for innovation. The CloudCode will go a long way towards lowering user risk and encouraging the deployment of cloud services.

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff also welcomed the latest release of the Code, saying: "It's important for consumers looking into cloud computing to understand and assess the risks involved and make sound judgments.

"By setting a standard for local cloud providers to follow, the code makes sure that participating providers will give the right information to consumers to help them make good decisions.

"This is a very positive initiative from the IITP and I hope it will be widely adopted.

Consultation has now begun on Australian adoption of the CloudCode, with the Australian Federal Government and Australian Computer Society (ACS) working with IITP.

"As vendor neutral, independent, member-based professional societies, the ACS and the IITP are uniquely placed to provide policy guidance in the national interest and have been instrumental in driving the awareness of cloud issues in the region," says Alan Patterson, CEO, ACS.

"With the explosion in consumer use of the cloud over the last two years, establishing a protocol which better supports government, business and consumers is an essential part of securing our digital future and ensuring the growing use of Cloud technology delivers the best possible outcome for all."

CloudCode Q-A

1. How long has the Code been out for public consultation?

IITP started developing the code October 2011, the first draft of the code was put out for consultation in April 2012 and since that time there has been some changes and further consultation mainly around the security section of the document.

2. How many organisations have been involved in creating the Code?

Over 250 individuals, representing a wide range of both cloud vendors, cloud users and other stakeholders, were involved in the development of the CloudCode.

3. What was the mix of those organisations?

Contributors were a mix of kiwi companies, international vendors, ICT groups, Govt Departments, users and other stakeholders to ensure a good mix of all the relevant sectors of the market, from "one man bands" up to large international corporates.

4. What is happening with the CloudCode internationally?

Since the release of v1 of the CloudCode last year, there has been significant international interest in expanding the CloudCode to a global standard.

This version has had some structural changes to prepare for the international adoption of the CloudCode. Consultation on Australian adoption began by ACS on behalf of the Australian Government earlier this month. Other countries are likely to follow shortly after.

5. Has the CloudCode branding changed?

With Version 2.0, the branding of the CloudCode was updated and a new website launched.

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