Internet2 Cloud Scorecard Vendor Participation Guidelines

Overview

The Internet2 Cloud Scorecard Program is an initiative designed to evaluate and compare cloud service providers based on a comprehensive set of criteria tailored to the needs of research and education institutions. By providing a standardized framework for assessment, the program aims to enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and facilitate informed decision-making regarding cloud services.

We encourage you to send us constructive comments and suggestions for the program, directory or wiki page. Interested vendors can reach out to us to collaborate in the launch of this new program.


Cloud Scorecard Participant badge

Use of the Cloud Scorecard Directory

By accessing and using the Cloud Scorecard Directory, you agree to comply with Internet2’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy as well as any other rules we make known to you. 

You acknowledge that you are responsible for your actions and for all Content you post on the Cloud Scorecard Directory (“Directory”). You also acknowledge that the Directory :

  • contains information which is provided by the Vendor and is not evaluated or validated by Internet2;
  • can be updated without prior notice.

Vendor Guidelines for Service Listings

Service Listing Creation:

The Cloud Scorecard is currently a limited to Cloud and SAAS vendors.. If you are interested in submitting your service for the Directory, please email the scorecard project team at: cloud-scorecard@internet2.edu. The project team will determine whether or not your service is a logical fit for the Directory through research on the vendor’s website and/or community feedback.

If accepted, we will work with each vendor to create a listing that is accurate and best reflects the service features based on a self-assessment submitted electronically.  

Submission Guidelines

By submitting your service, You represent and warrant that:

  • You have all necessary rights, power and authority to enter into the Cloud Scorecard Terms of Service and to fulfill Your contractual obligations;
  • The information and Content you upload, post, e-mail, transmit or otherwise make available to us or on the Directory, including but not limited to feature listings, trademarks and logos, is accurate and free of third party-encumbrances;
  • You will not post or otherwise provide Content that you do not have the right to make available under any law or contractual or fiduciary relationship;
  • You will adhere to the Guidelines for Service Listings and bear all liability related to your submission of such Content through the Directory.

Criteria for Posting Services on the Directory:

  • It is a Cloud or SAAS software;
  • It is a packaged (prebuilt/off the shelf) solution
  • It must fit, at Our sole discretion, within one of the existing categories;
  • It must be publicly available and out of Beta testing;
  • It must be listed under the service name determined by the vendor. We do not list reseller names, integrators, consultants, or other third parties, unless the vendor expressly authorizes a reseller to represent the service on their behalf.

Service Listing Removal:

By Vendor’s Request

At any time, vendor’s can request removal of their service from our listing. To remove your service, please send an email to netplus@internet2.edu. The project team will remove your service listing once they confirm and validate the email request. 

At Our Discretion

We want to ensure that our community has access to accurate and current information. We will work with each vendor to ensure that their information is updated in a timely manner. However, we may remove a listing at any time if a vendor refuses to provide updated information, doesn’t comply with our Posting Guidelines, or is in violation of trademark rules.

If a dispute arises between community members and the vendor regarding the submitted content, the community member should contact the vendor directly for any questions or concerns. 

Service Listing Guidelines:

Below are our guidelines for written content. For additional support on these guidelines, please contact: netplus@internet2.edu

The Do’s:

  • Ensure that the service description is unique (not copied from another website) and a true service overview relevant to the Internet2 higher education community.
  • Ensure that the service name matches the service name on the vendor’s website.
  • Ensure that destination URLs work and point to the appropriate resource. For example, do not direct users to your main website, if they’re looking for contact or support information. Instead, point the user to the contact form or support page.
  • Use standard spelling and grammar.
  • Ensure that your content is routinely updated and remains accurate

The Don’ts:

  • Do not overly use comparative language and superlatives (i.e. best, fastest, or most)
  • Do not use offensive, obscene or defamatory language
  • Do not use repeated or unnecessary punctuation marks or excessive capitalization

Cloud Scorecard Badge Usage Policy

The Internet2 Cloud Scorecard Badge is available for use by current Cloud Scorecard Participants without obtaining permission, but style specifications should be followed. The Vendor contact will be provided with the PNG version of the badge for use on appropriate webpages, customer communications and social media. The badge logo should never be recreated nor enlarged. The minimum recommended reproduction size is 3”/216 pixels.

If an organization discontinues its affiliation, the badge use must cease.

The goal of this policy is to promote awareness and participation in the program by encouraging appropriate use of the participant badge. Its use should not imply inaccurate affiliation with or endorsement by Internet2.


Updated Oct. 16, 2024