Magix Security has announced that it will be spearheading the effort to launch the South African chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). The CSA is a member-driven organisation, tasked with promoting the development and use of best practices that result in the secure adoption of cloud computing solutions.
The alliance already has chapters in North and South America, Europe and Asia, but a chapter has not yet been registered on the African continent.
“This is unfortunate as promoting secure cloud solutions is important for infrastructure and skills challenged African businesses,” says Philip Gerber, MD of Magix Security. “To meet the needs of African IT leaders, Magix Security has therefore taken the initiative to launch the first African chapter of the CSA.”
The alliance provides members with the opportunity to meet, discuss and learn about the realities of secure cloud solutions from vendors and, most importantly, from each other. It is only by discussing what works with which services and products that users are able to determine the best practices applicable in the real world.
“Trial and error is not an acceptable implementation strategy for cloud security,” notes Gerber.
He is adamant that despite a vendor launching the local chapter of the alliance, the user community must be the driver behind its continued existence.
“While it is important that vendors are part of the CSA’s functions, the users need to define the alliance and drive it to ensure it delivers value to the business world,” he adds. “Open conversations with each other about specific situations and products, as well as what approaches delivered effective solutions are crucial if the chapter is to succeed.”
Gerber says the long-term goal will be to have chapters in the major centres in South Africa, which will eventually link up with other chapters as they are launched in other countries on the continent. Initially, however, the CSA will be launched in Johannesburg to serve business users and vendors in the Gauteng region.
“As the benefits of cloud computing continue to resonate among enterprise leaders in southern Africa, it is vital to create a forum in which business leaders are able to share information on how to best gain the value cloud offers while avoiding the inherent security risks.”
Companies wanting to be part of the Cloud Security Alliance Gauteng Chapter should contact Philip Gerber at +27 (0)11 258 4442 or e-mail him at phillipg@magix.co.za
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