(New) Cloud computing compliance and code of practice literature is inbound, it’s called
“CloudCode”
The creation and adoption of a set of formalized rules and standards for cloud computing is long overdue. As more and more businesses continue to take up and implement cloud computing, the need for more formally established codes of practice (in this area) is going to become even more significant. Corporations, businesses and individuals are adopting cloud technologies in increasingly larger numbers and in even more profound and unexpected ways; without some compliance-based reference in place, things could get messy, don’t you agree? cloud computing compliance and code of practice literature
At least one group seems to see the importance of instituting what is arguably the world’s first true compliance and code of practice reference tool for cloud computing, this group is of course, the New Zealand Computer Society. This new set of voluntary adaptive rules for cloud computing in New Zealand is called the “CloudCode”. The aim of it is simply to provide minimum standards and operational methodologies which can be used to both protect cloud practitioners as well as help provide a more balanced and dependable cloud service for users (in the long run).
The New Zealand Computer Society (NZCS) was tasked with the formation of what is to be the first step in the larger process, and that is the creation of the code itself. Additionally, the NZCS is producing this code without assistance or input from any particular industry vendor(s). Likewise, they are not attempting to help promote cloud computing through the creation of these guidelines. Furthermore, the NZCS is also helping to devise a system of assessment whereby some type of procedure is devised to reward those who are in compliance with the code (and punish those who are not).
While this emerging “CloudCode” is meant for organizations based in New Zealand, it should be noted that a number of international vendors are participating (including Microsoft). However, the general aim of the project itself is to keep everything as neutral as possible (in terms of who the code is serving / benefiting).
Perhaps the real question is, why has it taken so long for an organization to step up and formally establish some rules and guidelines for cloud computing? Cloud computing has been around for quite a while now and has made its way into virtually every area of business and industry; why are we just now talking about establishing formal codes of practice?
The truth is, we might have finally reached a point in cloud technology development whereby it is possible to look back at what’s been done / created and offer up recommendations with regards to methodology (or use of these technologies). It would simply be foolish and untrue to say that cloud computing has slowed down or even hit a wall in terms of ongoing development. However, there are a number of things which are becoming “standardized” in cloud computing; not to mention the fact that the expectations of users/clients is also dictating what any particular cloud service will actually entail.
The great hope of the cloud computing community is (or rather should be) that this CloudCode will become adopted internationally. People often forget that we lack a definitive set of codes/practices for organizations providing cloud computing services. While it’s often true that formal regulations are not always needed, that’s not the point; cloud computing regulations will help establish a higher level of standardized services as well as help distill any incumbent technologies in a faster and more efficient manner. It could very well be that this CloudCode will eventually grow and come to function in a similar fashion as ITIL does in predominantly non-cloud IT setups.
This emerging CloudCode might also help to create new formalized expectations for IT professionals with regards to cloud computing. In other words, IT workers might soon find themselves needing to attain some form of cloud computing certification in order to remain compliant with the new standards which might be coming into play. The reality is that the increasing assimilation of cloud computing will directly affect IT workers across the globe. One of the best ways for any IT professional to protect themselves and their career is to seek out high quality cloud computing certification (you can find a world leader in cloud certification / e-learning, here).
If you’re eager to learn more about the New Zealand Computer Society’s CloudCode project you can check out the details right here.
If you’re interested in cloud computing certification & training, click here.
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