IEEE Launches Cloud Computing Initiative

A few years ago, "the cloud" was only known within nerdy enterprise circles. Now, it's showing up in Microsoft's Windows 7 ads. It's pretty clear that we're transitioning to a world where always-on connectivity will be essential, and with the cloud playing an ever more important role in our digital lives, the IEEE is stepping in to launch a new Cloud Computing Initiative. Reportedly, this new endevour is designed to serve as the catalyst for innovation in the cloud computing arena, it is the first broad-scope, forward-looking cloud computing initiative to be put forth by a global standards development organization (SDO). The effort is kicking off with the approval of two new standards development projects, IEEE P2301, Draft Guide for Cloud Portability and Interoperability Profiles, and IEEE P2302, Draft Standard for Intercloud Interoperability and Federation.


Two working groups have been formed in order to tackle the issues at hand. IEEE P2301 will provide profiles of existing and in-progress cloud computing standards in critical areas such as application, portability, management, and interoperability interfaces, as well as file formats and operation convention, while IEEE P2302 defines essential topology, protocols, functionality, and governance required for reliable cloud-to-cloud interoperability and federation. Will cloud standards actually act to bring together what's becoming an increasingly fragmented market? It's hard to say with so little data to go on, but with an entity like IEEE pushing this stuff, we suspect a lot of major companies will be lining up to play ball soon. A unified cloud, we're looking forward to meeting you!