Tech giants form cloud group to target enterprise; Amazon absent |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Some of the nation's biggest technology firms, including Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Hewlett-Packard, are teaming up to encourage large companies to use cloud computing services. The new Enterprise Cloud Buyers Council wants to create a set of uniform standards and metrics for the emerging field of cloud computing so that companies can more easily compare services and jump from vendor to vendor.
Absent from the list, however, is Amazon.com, an early leader in the cloud computing field. Amazon has been ramping up its own pitch to enterprise customers lately with a series of new offerings.
Other members of the Enterprise Cloud Buyers Council include EMC, Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia Siemens Networks, and AT&T. The group says its mission is, among other things, to "accelerate standardization and commoditzation of cloud services" and "achieve transparency of cost, services levels and reporting across the ecosystem."
Amazon couldn't immediately be reached for comment. The company has been making push of its own to attract big companies and government agencies (and their big IT budgets) to its cloud services. While the concept of cloud computing — buying and accessing computing services via the internet — has gained in prominence, many large institutions remain skittish about its security and reliability and have hesitated to put sensitive data in the cloud.
Amazon this week introduced a new set of larger storage options for its S3 cloud service targeted at big customers. The company has also been cutting prices on its core cloud services over the last couple months, just as Microsoft rolls out its Azure cloud computing platform.
[Via PC World]
Follow my updates on Twitter.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.