Microsoft is large player in the cloud landscape, according to Gartner it offers one of the most visionary and complete views of the cloud and is predicted to be one of the two leaders in the cloud computing market over the next few years.
In 2010 Microsoft launched its “Cloud Power” global campaign to help IT professionals better understand the fundamental shift going on in the industry. The campaign focused on three key business scenarios including private cloud, public cloud and cloud productivity. The campaign promoted the benefits of cloud computing over those of traditional computing, offers prospective clients advice on how to get started, and introduced Microsoft’s cloud portfolio.
Andy Burton, chairman of the Cloud Industry Forum, stated: “We are delighted that Microsoft has joined as a member. There is no doubt that the experience Microsoft has had in recent months in educating end users will be of tremendous value to us. 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.”
“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,” he added.
Janet Gibbons, director of partner strategy and programmes, Microsoft, added: “Microsoft has been following the work of the Cloud Industry Forum over the past few years with interest and we fully support its aspirations to champion the adoption of cloud services. 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.