Privacy and Cloud Computing: Microsoft

Yesterday Microsoft released a new position paper titled, Privacy in the Cloud Computing Era: A Microsoft Perspective .   This new paper discusses how Microsoft is approaching privacy as it relates to cloud computing.    Cloud-based services are rapidly emerging to complement the traditional client-based model of running software on PCs and servers at home and within the organisation. “Cloud computing” refers to computing capabilities that are provided to organisations that operate over the Internet. Businesses and governments are using “the cloud” to provide more and more services as it allows for greater flexibility, efficiency and lower costs.

From a privacy perspective, a key aspect of cloud computing is the remote storage and processing of personal information with a service provider. Consumers, and more recently organisations, have for some time been using online services that store personal information remotely.

While Microsoft recognises that privacy in the cloud will evolve over time; the paper describes how our underlying privacy principles provide a solid foundation for addressing privacy issues. Microsoft will continue engagement with government, industry, advocates, and other stakeholders on these important matters.

Microsoft Australia will be sponsoring the Australian Privacy Awards which will be taking place next week on 12 November 2009.

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