New Cloud Computing Standard Launched by NSAI and IIAThe Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today launched new Government-backed standards to help provide guidance to businesses small and large on moving to cloud computing.
The announcement marks the delivery of a Q2 measure under Action Plan for Jobs 2012.
Cloud services are reshaping the future of computing, but one of the primary concerns with the emerging Cloud paradigm is the lack of standards to guide its adoption and implementation. The National Standards Authority of Ireland (an agency of Minister Bruton’s Department) in partnership with the Irish Internet Association (IIA), this morning launched the new standards, entitled, “SWiFT 10: Adopting the Cloud – decision support for Cloud computing”. The standard is designed to provide guidance to organisations both large and small on the various issues that need to be considered when moving to the cloud.
Launching the new standards, Minister Bruton said:
“A central part of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is targeting key sectors where Ireland has competitive advantages and the potential to foster growth. One such sector is cloud computing, and various studies have reported that Ireland has potential to create high levels of growth and jobs in this sector if we move early. That is why the Action Plan for Jobs sets out a number of measures that the Government will deliver in 2012 to help deliver on this potential.
“Today’s launch of new Government-backed standards to help guide businesses of all sizes that are looking to move to the Cloud marks the delivery of one of these measures. This is an important move by Government to help increase the numbers of Irish businesses, small and large, who successfully adopt the Cloud. I am determined that over the coming months we will continue delivering these measures on time so that we can achieve the growth in the economy and in employment that we need”.
Developed by IIA Cloud Computing Working Group and adopted by the NSAI as SWiFT 10, this collaboration has delivered a comprehensive roadmap for businesses to encompass all Cloud delivery and deployment models. It is intended for use as a means of assessing Cloud adoption prioritisation and suitability. The IIA Cloud Computing Working Group is a collaboration of expert practitioners and business leaders (Chief Information Officers, Chief Technical Officers, Heads of IT, Legal, and Consultancy) from a variety of business sectors and organisation sizes in Ireland.
Maurice Buckley, Chief Executive, NSAI, said, “Many people are already using Cloud computing in everyday life without even realising it. Services such as e-mail, social networking and photo sharing are all forms of Cloud computing. SMEs in particular will be receptive to this standard, as every effort has been made to make it as user friendly and straightforward as possible. Many businesses are already making the transition, moving elements of their business to the more mature and better known aspects of the Cloud, such as email or file storage. We hope that SWiFT 10 will enable and encourage more Irish businesses to move to the Cloud in the coming years, which we believe will give Ireland an early adopter and market advantage in this space.”
The Decision Support Matrix contained within SWiFT 10 has been divided into a number of categories, which address the challenges and business benefits to be considered in developing and implementing a Cloud migration strategy. Using the guide will support organisations in thoroughly assessing the practical suitability of Cloud computing across the gamut of business operations. It includes a thorough review of all legal, security, maturity and cost/benefit considerations.
Joan Mulvihill, CEO, Irish Internet Association, said "We are so proud and pleased to have the NSAI endorse the great work of the IIA Cloud Computing Working Group. Cloud discussion tends to be quite vendor led and product focussed. SWiFT 10 has been specifically designed with the customer in mind. All of the research has shown that while SMEs are convinced of the merits of the Cloud, they are hesitant to take those first steps. SWiFT 10 will guide business owners and managers through the process and assist them in making the appropriate decisions and setting the right course for their Cloud adoption strategy."
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For further information, please contact:
Peter O’Reilly, Public Relations and Marketing Office: O1-8073804, 087-2500022
Press Office, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, 01-6312200, press.office@djei.ie
About NSAI: NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) is Ireland’s official standards and measurement body and the state agency vested with the responsibility to manage the policy instruments of Standards, Metrology and Conformity Assessment, (in the form of Certification and Agrément) on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. These instruments form the basis of Ireland’s basic trade infrastructure which enables people confidently to go about many aspects of their daily businesses and lives. Our work entails serving industry and protecting consumer interests through the setting of standards and issuing of certification in the quality and safety of goods and services. For over 50 years, the National Standards Authority of Ireland has been supporting enterprise, trade, consumers and Government through the effective provision of services of the highest quality.
About IIA: The Irish Internet Association is the professional body for those conducting business via the internet from Ireland. It has been and remains one of the driving forces behind the adoption of the medium. Established in 1997, the IIA provides leadership to enterprises and society conducting business in Ireland. The IIA is a strong voice for over 300 member companies. The aim of the Association is to Connect, Inform and Promote. The IIA is a non-profit business association. Members of the association include suppliers of Internet services and products as well as those using the medium for communication, marketing and commerce.