NIST releases final cloud computing roadmap.

• Position: CLOUD COMPUTING - National Institute of Standards and Technology - Brief article

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published the final version of the U.S. Government Cloud Computing Technology Roadmap in two volumes. The final documents reflect more than 200 comments received from around the world.

Volume I, High-Priority Requirements to Further USG Agency Cloud Computing Adoption, describes the purpose and scope of the roadmap. It focuses on five priorities: security, interoperability, portability, performance, and accessibility. It also presents 10 requirements for federal government cloud adoption, including developing international standards, security solutions, and clear and consistent categories of cloud services. Each requirement is accompanied by a list of priority action plans complete with target dates. Research teams from government, industry, and academia are working on the action plans.

Volume II, Useful Information for Cloud Adopters, introduces a conceptual model as well as technical use...