John Mark Walker
The Open Cloud Initiative has been created by a number of well-known representatives of the greater cloud computing community to educate the public about the value of open standards (specifically, open formats and open interfaces) in cloud computing (e.g. the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product). It is modeled after the Open Source Initiative, a California 501(c)3 non-profit, but is totally independent of it. Run by individuals, it is also independent of any commercial vendors. The Open Cloud Principles (http://www.opencloudinitiative.org/principles), which were developed by way of an open community consensus process, form the basis of a certification trademark program which allows users to request, and vendors to offer, “Open Cloud” certified products and services. The primary purpose of the Open Cloud Initiative is to provide a legal framework within which to research and define “Open Cloud” and develop programs that educate the technology industry at large as to its benefits. Our programs will include speaking at and hosting events related to cloud computing; media campaigns in the technology press advocating for open formats and open interfaces; certification programs that enable the community to designate products and services as Open Cloud-compliant; and education of consumers and providers of cloud computing as to the benefits of Open Cloud. Learn all about the OCI, including how you can join our efforts.
