CA joins 'cloud computing' trade group

Islandia-based CA Inc. has become a corporate member of a nonprofit trade group that promotes security for "cloud computing."

The group, Cloud Security Alliance, aims to establish and promote best practices for security in the growing computer services field.

So-called cloud computing refers to flexible systems that allow companies variable levels of use - at variable cost - for data storage, software and other tech services over the Internet.

Intel joined the alliance last week; other corporate members of the alliance include Novell, Iron Mountain, Cisco, McAfee and Microsoft.

"CA is working with enterprise customers and cloud service providers to securely adopt and deliver cloud services," Dave Hansen, corporate senior vice president and general manager of CA's security and compliance business unit, said in a news release.

"We look forward to collaborating with the CSA members to deliver guidance for meeting security concerns that challenge cloud adoption," Hansen said.

CA said it is helping its customers securely use "the cloud" by incorporating identity and access management technologies. Its relevant products include SiteMinder, Federation manager and SOA Security manager.