Microsoft Corporation, in a video posting the company released - cloud computing

Microsoft Corporation has added its Azure cloud platform to the Cloud based Security Alliance's STAR (Security, Trust, and Assurance Registry) security registry, which is a listing where cloud service providers post information about their security features. The STAR began last year but almost six months after its launch only 3 companies had filled out the 170 question form that makes up STAR. Microsoft Corporation was one of the early adopters when it submitted security information for Microsoft Office 365, with cloud service providers Mimecast and Solutionary being the others. In the last month, though, there have been two additions, including Microsoft Azure and Information Technology and cloud manager SHI International. [ In the data center today, the action is in the private cloud. InfoWorld's experts take you through what you need to know to do it right in our "Private Cloud Deep Dive" PDF special report. | Also check out our "Cloud Security Deep Dive," our "Cloud Storage Deep Dive," and our "Cloud Services Deep Dive." ]

In the registry listing, Microsoft Corporation officials say that Azure's "core services" are ISO 27001 certified and "this work is planned for the remaining features of the platform." The "core" services, it says, refer to compute, storage, and virtual network features. Meanwhile, the company's global foundation services, which are the systems that run much of Microsoft's Corporation online services, undergo annual American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Auditing Standards No. 70 audits. The SAS 70 audits will be replaced with Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16 audits and International Standards for Assurance Engagements No. 3402 audits. Some cloud watchers have expressed optimism for STAR to be a place where customers can easily compare and contrast security features from providers they may consider working with. But, to fully realize that potential, Kyle Hilgendorf, a Gartner analyst, says more companies need to sign on. CSA officials say that some big name companies, such as Google, McAfee, Verizon, and Intel companies, have said they will contribute to STAR, but they haven't yet. "Our customers are able to go to the STAR registry and they're able to pick up our specific security controls, they're able to dive into what we do at the data center level, all the way up through the platform level," says Kellie Ann Chainier, a cloud business manager for Microsoft Corporation, in a video posting the company released about the news.

Source: Info World