With security as its main priority, Google has received a SSAE 16 certification for both the Google Apps cloud productivity and collaboration suite and the Google App Engine platform. This makes the company as one of the first major cloud service provider to be certified for compliance.

In a blog post last weekend, Google announced that the company has successfully completed the audit process for the SSAE 16 and its international counterpart which is the ISAE 3402. The SSAE-16 is an evolution of the SAS 70. Since 2008, Google has also successfully completed the annual SAS 70 Type II audits.

Google has successful completed the lengthy process of the audit. The Google Apps and Postini services including the Google Apps Engine, Google Apps Script and Google Storage for Developers have now received SSAE 16 certification. This is also the first time that Google has been certified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). With the SAS 70 Type II certification which covers the dates prior to June 15, 2011, Google has the necessary certifications for its cloud services from third-party audits, which assured customers that their data is well protected.

Aside from the third party audits, Google also highlighted its “Security First” strategy in the blog post:

Third party audits are only part of the security and compliance benefits of Google Apps and Google App Engine products. We protect our Apps customers’ data by employing some of the foremost security experts, by executing rigorous safety processes, and by implementing cutting-edge technology.

Services Angle

Regularly complying with third party audits, gives Google a competitive advantage over other cloud services providers. Aside from assuring its current customers the security of their data, Google is also paving the road for more enterprise customers. It gives a hint for prospect customers that the company is taking measures to protect its user’s data.