Published on the 25/07/2013 | Written by Newsdesk

The next major version of the New Zealand Cloud Computing Code of Practice has been released by the Institute of IT Professionals NZ (IITP), garnering enthusiastic support from the likes of Xero’s Rod Drury and Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff…

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 and has been two years in the making.

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.

Since the release of the first version of the CloudCode last year, the IITP says there has been significant international interest in expanding it to a global standard. This new version has had some structural changes to prepare for the international adoption of the CloudCode.

“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 IITP chief executive Paul Matthews who is spearheading the initiative.

He describes this latest version as “a major step forward”.
“It 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.

Developed with input from more than 250 New Zealand cloud providers, users and other stakeholders over the past two years, contributors were a mix of Kiwi companies, international vendors, ICT groups, Government 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.

Cloud computing suppliers, many of whom helped establish the Code, have been vocal in their support. Xero chief executive Rod Drury says, “It’s great to see New Zealand leading the world in the transition to the cloud. 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.”

Others are also welcoming the clear definition of services that the Code will offer. Both OneNet’s managing director Michael Snowden and Web Drive general manager Robin Dickie say that the Code will help to dispel confusion around cloud computing and encourage adoption of the cost-reducing technology.

Dickie says Wed Drive plans to distribute the CloudCode to its 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,” he explains.

Snowden says he is 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 has 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.
ACS chief executive Alan Patterson says, “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.

“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.”

A copy of the CloudCode and other information is at www.thecloudcode.org and the Register of CloudCode Signatories will be released at next month’s New Zealand Cloud Computing Conference, says Matthews.