21 Nov 2008

Microsoft cloud servers 'take security to a new level'

Businesses should consider the improved security they could have if they commit data to Microsoft's cloud servers, an expert has suggested.

Dan Scarfe, chief executive officer of software development firm Dot Net Solutions, noted that some firms' security set ups might largely comprise of "a couple of deadlocks" on a server in their office.

However, by using Microsoft's managed hosting services, companies would gain a much higher level of security over their data.

"Some of the smartest guys in the world set up all of these data centres and the buildings themselves have huge amounts of security 24-seven," Mr Scarfe said.

An organisation's data is more secure in the cloud compared to in their offices, he added.

Mr Scarfe's comments come after Microsoft has opened new data centres in Quincy, Wash and San Antonio over the last 12 months, with further centres under development in Chicago and Dublin.

At the Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles last month, where Microsoft unveiled its Windows Azure operating programme, the group also stressed the importance of building robust data centres in delivering online services.