The Open Data Center Alliance today announced delivery of critical tools to help streamline proof of concept testing and deployment of cloud solutions by broad membership. The organization published five updated usage models including RFP language for integration into enterprise procurement proposals helping align IT to ODCA requirements. To further assist with purchasing processes the Alliance has also launched online tools to enable enterprises seamless integration of Alliance requirements into their purchasing guidelines.
“The Open Data Center Alliance was created to help make cloud and IT purchasing decisions easier for end users by ensuring that everyone was speaking the same language and applying the right standards—the publication of RFP language and online tools help speed adoption of cloud solutions based on Alliance requirements,” said Mario Muller, vice president IT infrastructure, BMW Group. “These new tools will make the decision process smoother and easier for members.”
These announcements come as the Alliance accelerates work with solution provider members to help facilitate availability of solutions this year for proof of concept testing and mainstream deployments. Alliance Steering Committee member National Australia Bank has announced plans for an evaluation of the security provider assurance usage model signaling the beginning of expected broad member evaluations throughout 2012. The Alliance is expecting delivery of open cloud solutions to speed an expected $50 billion in cloud computing investment over the next two years alone.
“The financial services industry is focused on ensuring secure control of data and related infrastructure at all time,” said Adam Bennett, chief information officer, National Australia Bank. “To fully take advantage of cloud solutions, our security SLAs must extend across all computing environments regardless whether using a dedicated cloud service available via a private cloud or a service shared with other subscribers via a public cloud. The security provider requirements specified by ODCA provide a great step forward towards our goal for secure delivery of cloud solutions.”
In June 2011, the Alliance announced a unique set of customer driven usage models deemed the highest priorities for cloud computing by the organization’s 300+ members. The five usage models that feature RFP language today are: carbon footprint, IO controls, provider assurance, security monitoring and VM interoperability. These developments come as a result of the work of the Alliance leadership and technical teams and reflect feedback from the organization’s solutions provider members.
To help standardize RFP language across product categories and usage model requirements, the Alliance is also launching a new online tool allowing companies to access RFP language based on product categories and usage model requirements. Public availability of the tool will help corporations across the globe ensure deployment of open cloud configurations for the more than $50 billion expected investment in solutions in the next two years.
This news came as the Alliance leadership met in Melbourne to discuss priorities for 2012 including newest steering committee member NTT DATA. The organization will highlight the results of its work at Forecast 2012, June 12, 2012 in New York City. Held in conjunction with the 10th International Cloud Expo, this event will highlight member progress in delivery of cloud solutions meeting organization requirements as well as early adoption of solutions by Alliance members. Register today to hear about solutions available meeting Alliance requirements and hear from IT leaders shaping the future of cloud computing today. Registration for this event is open at www.opendatacenteralliance.org
