IT Brief New Zealand - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers
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IT industry to establish code of practice for cloud
Fri, 2nd Sep 2011
FYI, this story is more than a year old

A voluntary code of practice for cloud computing is to be developed by industry organisations in conjunction with businesses including Xero, Gen-i and Microsoft.

A release from NZCS (New Zealand Computer Society) says the initiative was the outcome of a workshop called by Xero CEO Rod Drury, where attendees identified the need to proactively address standards around the new technology.

"Cloud computing offers exciting new opportunities and avenues for New Zealand,” says NZCS chief executive, Paul Matthews, "but with that comes responsibilities for service providers.

"We’re excited that the industry is being proactive in addressing this through the proposed Cloud Code of Practice, ensuring those using cloud services can continue to have confidence in solutions available in New Zealand.”

The first phase of the project will be a major scoping exercise by NZCS to identify the terms of reference and establish the interested stakeholders.

The heads of other industry groups have all expressed support for the initiative, InternetNZ chief executive Vikram Kumar saying he is very excited by the initiative, and Telecommunications Users Association (TUANZ) chief executive Paul Brislen saying it is great to see the industry taking a proactive approach.

New Zealand Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff also attended the workshop, and admitting having had concerns about cloud computing for some time.

:A significant survey undertaken by our office earlier this year concluded a lack of awareness around cloud issues,” Shroff says.

"We will watch this development with interest.”