Microsoft UK has formally joined the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), an industry body that promotes the adoption and use of online cloud-based services by businesses.
Microsoft is one of the first IT companies to offer cloud services. Its Windows Azure already has over 10,000 corporate customers making it a leader in the cloud computing market.
In an effort to improve consumer confidence in cloud computing, the company started ‘Cloud Power’ campaigns in 2010. The campaign focused on creating awareness of private cloud, public cloud and cloud productivity. It promoted the benefits of cloud computing over those of traditional computing.
CIF chairman Andy Burton said that the experience Microsoft has had in recent months in educating end users will be of tremendous value to the industry body.
Burton said, "We have always acknowledged the breadth and diversity of the Cloud marketplace and have welcomed organisations from every part of the cloud supply chain from ISVs to service providers, and from local vendors to truly global partners such as Microsoft."
The CIF was established in 2009 to provide transparency through certification to a Code of Practice for credible online Cloud service providers and to assist end users in determining core information necessary to enable them to adopt these services.
Both the CIF and Microsoft said that this was the right time for Microsoft to join the forum.
Burton said, "We have prided ourselves on the work we have done since inception in terms of developing a credible, independent voice for the sector. We have alliances in place from BASDA, Eurocloud, the Cloud Security Alliance as well as the likes of Intellect. We are recognised through our work on standards and briefing Government at the highest levels as acknowledged experts in Cloud computing. So the time is right for organisations such as Microsoft to become members."
Microsoft director of partner strategy and programmes Janet Gibbons said Microsoft has been following the work of the Cloud Industry Forum over the past few years with interest and the company supports its aspirations to champion the adoption of cloud services.
Gibbons said, "We share a common goal: improving consumer confidence in the Cloud. This lies behind our investment in the ‘Cloud Power’ campaigns and is the driving force behind the push for a Code of Practice, as promoted by the Cloud Industry Forum."
"With over 10,000 corporate customers already using Windows Azure, we are firmly at the forefront of the market and we felt the time was now right to endorse the work of the Cloud Industry Forum in championing its certified Code of Practice throughout the Cloud supply chain, building confidence in Cloud solutions for ever increasing numbers of users," she added.
The CIF has announced that the third Annual Cloud Computing World Forum, which includes a conference and free-to-attend exhibition, will be held on 21 and 22 June in London.
