3par Joins Cloud Security Alliance

3PAR, Inc. has joined the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) as a corporate member.

As the first storage vendor to join the CSA, 3PAR brings expertise and leadership in utility storage to help define best practices and guidance for secure data storage and management in cloud computing environments. Specific areas of focus include: disaster recovery; secure administrative segregation of users, hosts, and application data; and data ‘lock down’ to aid eDiscovery and enterprise compliance.

The CSA was created in 2008 to promote best practices for assuring security within cloud computing environments and to educate the IT industry on the uses of cloud computing in helping secure other forms of computing. 3PAR raised awareness for the efficiency and agility benefits of cloud computing services in July of 2009 with the announcement of 3PAR Cloud-Agile, a program introduced by 3PAR to encourage the development of a mutually beneficial, robust cloud computing ecosystem. By joining the CSA, 3PAR is furthering these objectives while promoting a specific focus – the need for cloud security standards.

"3PAR’s incumbency in the global service provider market – with many of the world’s top service providers relying on 3PAR Utility Storage for their cloud-based service offerings – makes it a valuable addition to the CSA," said Jim Reavis, founder of the Cloud Security Alliance. "In addition, experience working with enterprises and service providers on cloud security challenges through the 3PAR Cloud-Agile Program has given 3PAR specific expertise that is valuable to the alliance as we continue to develop cloud security standards and best practices."

The 3PAR Cloud-Agile Program includes members that have built or are building agile and efficient cloud service infrastructures using 3PAR InServ Storage Servers – including leading service providers Attenda, Carrenza, CSC, Data Intensity, DataPipe, NS Solutions, Star, Terremark Worldwide, UCS Solutions, Ultraspeed, and Verizon Business. According to Tier 1 research, 7 of the world’s top 10 managed hosting providers are 3PAR Utility Storage customers.

"With 3PAR powering our cloud, we have enhanced the security, agility, and cost-efficiency of the services we offer," said Nick Mehta, CEO of LiveOffice. "As a member of the Cloud Security Alliance, we applaud 3PAR’s decision to join the alliance and look forward to working with 3PAR and the CSA to continue driving awareness, thought leadership, and standards development for cloud security."

"At the very heart of cloud computing is the need for agility and security," said David Scott, 3PAR President and CEO. "3PAR and the Cloud Security Alliance are aligned in our focus on ensuring that, in leveraging the cost-effectiveness of the new cloud computing paradigm, customer data remains secure and protected. With solutions such as Remote Copy for disaster recovery and Virtual Domains to ensure data security at the storage level, 3PAR Utility Storage is purpose-built to assure a secure cloud environment – making 3PAR a natural fit for the CSA."