Data security and compliance are the key issues to consider for companies, when it comes to moving to the cloud. Microsoft (News - Alert) Corp has come up with a new website that will provide Microsoft Dynamics users with high-level information about the privacy, transparency, independent verification and security features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

Called, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Trust Center, the new website is intended to equip customers and potential customers with in-depth information about the privacy and security practices for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service, a press release clarified.

According to Gartner (News - Alert) Inc., by the end of 2016, more than 50 percent of Global 1000 companies will have stored customer-sensitive data in the public cloud. However, Gartner warns that in order to take advantage of the new technology, companies should not jump into the bandwagon without considering the risk factors first. Before selecting any cloud partner, companies need to ensure that the cloud solutions are meeting the compliance needs. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Trust Center can help the customers choose the right solutions before they move into the cloud.

“Enterprises should perform due diligence on potential cloud service providers through the use of emerging cloud standards, certifications, cloud services brokers, questionnaires and interviews, and by generally 'doing your homework.' Transparency in a cloud vendor is key and security should be as big of a concern with online deployments as with on-premises deployments,” vice president distinguished analyst of Gartner pointed out in a statement.

“Customers have to be confident that their business solutions are meeting their high-level security features and privacy needs. The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Trust Center ensures transparency in how we operate Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online and handle these critical customer needs. Our customers need business solutions they can depend on, and the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online Trust Center helps remove some of the anxiety they may have as they consider going to the cloud,” general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM at Microsoft Corp, Dennis Michalis explained in a statement.

The announcement follows Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online's registration with the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR (News - Alert)) program.

With this, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online becomes the first cloud CRM service to provide this level of transparency.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online joins Microsoft Office 365 and Windows Azure with their Trust Centers and CSA STAR registrations, underscoring Microsoft's commitment to customers' data security and privacy.

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