Cloud Security Evolves in Wellington

MEDIA RELEASE

Cloud Security Evolves in Wellington

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, 14 October 2012. Cloud computing has become the number one priority for New Zealand IT managers, with security seen as the most important criteria for companies when selecting a cloud vendor.

These are just some of the findings from new research that will be presented at the EVOLVE.Cloud security conference to be held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Wellington on Tuesday, 16 October.

The event, hosted by Trend Micro and free for registered attendees, brings together local and global experts, analysts, and leaders across industry to examine the rapidly evolving area of cloud, mobility and the consumerisation of IT.

Designed for IT security professionals and executives, the conference also includes the key players in the cloud ecosystem, such as VMware, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and Frost and Sullivan.

Sanjay Mehta, Managing Director, Trend Micro ANZ, said: “The benefits of cloud computing have been proven for business and government, ranging from lower costs to increased innovation. As with any fast-growing technology, there are risks and challenges, but security should not be seen as a barrier to adoption.”

Andre Clarke, Country Manager, NZ, Frost and Sullivan, will present new research analysing the current state of the cloud in New Zealand.

“Cloud computing has been transforming businesses and industries for several years. This will continue, but at a faster rate than before, and IT managers in New Zealand are now saying the cloud is their first priority. 57% of organisations that are currently using cloud-based solutions plan to increase their budget over the next 12 months. Of organisations that plan to increase their cloud-based solutions budget, the planned budget increase is generally significant; 18% plan to increase it by more than 20%,” said Mr Clarke.

Adrian Van Hest, Director, Risk, Compliance and Security, PricewaterhouseCoopers NZ, will discuss "Cloud - A Perspective for Government." This will leverage PwC's global experience and local knowledge to present a number of real world scenarios, and provide relevant context to assist agencies with their strategy and planning activities as they look to leverage the opportunity presented by the cloud.

“With all New Zealand government agencies expected to take a ‘cloud first’ approach, the challenge is to understand what this means for the individual agencies in terms of alignment with the Government Cyber Security Plan and other existing security requirements and obligations. In particular, what level of assurance do the individual agencies need to obtain when it comes to the security associated with the cloud and how do they manage their risk," said Mr Van Hest.

Rob Livingstone, an independent cloud adviser and analyst, said: “Information assets are protected within the new cloud environments as long as the underlying security architecture has been designed for the cloud. As hybrid cloud emerges as the dominant form of cloud computing in the enterprise, coming to grips with the systemic risks associated with this ecosystem may well be the next challenge in the journey to the cloud.”

The Wellington conference forms part of the highly successful Trend Micro EVOLVE.Cloud event series across New Zealand and Australia.

Trend Micro EVOLVE.Cloud Conference Details

When:
Tuesday, 16 October
8.45am – 5.00pm
(Registration open from 8.00am.
Plenary session until 12.15pm, followed by technical workshops)

Where:
Intercontinental Wellington
2 Grey Street
Wellington 6011
More details:
www.trendmicro.com.au/au/evolve

- end -

© Scoop Media