Cloud code of practice unveiled

The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) has introduced its code of practice following an extensive period of public consultation and piloting, notes Computing.

The code aims to increase enterprise confidence in cloud services, and the CIF consulted more than 200 organisations during its development, which began in October 2009.

Service providers claiming compliance with the new code will be expected to carry out an annual self-certification process and pass on the results to the CIF, which will then decide whether to authorise use of the certification mark.

Apple has finally made the iOS 4.2 update available to download from iTunes, bringing new features to the iPad that may increase its usefulness as an enterprise tool, reveals V3.

The iOS 4.2 update offers multitasking, and the ability to organise apps into folders, view messages in a unified inbox, and wirelessly print and share media.

Users can find and highlight specific words and phrases on Web pages within Safari, and Apple claimed the new software offers stronger security features. Other additions include the ability to reply to event invitations using calendar services like Yahoo, Google and Microsoft Exchange, and to organise messages by threads and open attachments in third-party apps.

UK's 'digital champion' has called for a revolution in the way it deals with the public online, says the BBC.

Martha Lane Fox, who reviewed the Directgov Web site, said it must become easier to access government services and make payments over the Internet.

Shifting half of its contacts with the public online could save the government more than £2 billion a year, she said. Cabinet office minister Francis Maude said there was no excuse for not making quality online services.

The wireless marketing wars rage on as Verizon Wireless claims the “most advanced 4G” wireless network in the world and takes more pot-shots at rival AT&T, according to CNet.

It's not easy to be a consumer these days, with wireless operators all claiming to have the fastest and most robust network in the US. Verizon Wireless is the latest operator to unveil an advertising campaign that promotes its soon-to-be-launched 4G LTE wireless broadband network.

The commercial, which features a young man using Verizon's 4G wireless network to throw a lightning bolt into the sky like a javelin, claims Verizon has the most “advanced 4G” wireless network.