Communications of the ACM
Nist Team Deeply Studying Cloud Computing
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The National Institute for Standards and Technology's (NIST's) interest in cloud computing goes beyond developing a definition for the concept. NIST views the draft definition released in May as only the beginning of its work in this area. "We took a taxonomical approach to it that was not always common in definitions, but enabled people to think about cloud computing in a way that got a lot of traction," says NIST computer scientist Peter Mell. Since last November, Mell has led a group that is seeking to encourage the use of cloud computing in government and in the private sector.
This summer, the agency will introduce a series of publications describing cloud computing, which will include a final definition of cloud computing, guidance on different models, strategies for deploying cloud computing, and ways to integrate the concept into legacy IT processes. Also this summer, NIST plans to release Federal Information Security Management Act guidance for government agencies on certifying and accrediting cloud providers for others.
Mell says that NIST is interested in promoting rather than mandating cloud standards. "We believe data and application portability between clouds is very important, and we believe having standard cloud interfaces so you can provision resources from the cloud using standards-based mechanisms is very important," he says.
From Information Week
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