Open-source SaaS may prevent single cloud lock-in

The demand for interoperability is growing among cloud providers, who may be transferring applications and services back and forth with competitors. However, the problem is that, because cloud computing lacks standardization, programs may be unable to adapt to the infrastructures of different clouds.

According to PC World, a possible solution that could smooth an application's integration with multiple clouds is the creation of open-source programs.

This cloud innovation is still in its infancy and will likely not be made available to consumers for another couple of years. Still, several software developers are exploring the new medium.

Open source software will allow users that switch cloud services to migrate their applications and hardware with more easily, James Staten, vice president and principle analyst at Forrester, told the news source.

The new means of delivering applications to competing clouds will likely create cohesion within the industry. Furthermore, there are organizations committed to improving interoperability among services by standardizing cloud computing architecture. According to One Stop Click, the recently formed Cloud Standards Customer Council is dedicated to this goal. One method it is currently reviewing is the data exchange practices between public and private clouds.