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Discover Cloud and AI Solutions with Internet2

In a move to streamline the process of sourcing cloud and AI solutions for research and higher education institutions, Internet2 has officially launched the Cloud Scorecard Finder. This new tool is designed to ease the journey for IT leaders and procurement teams in finding the right services that fit their institutional needs. Following a successful public preview in December 2024, the Finder aims to enhance the way institutions engage with cloud vendors while ensuring adherence to community standards.

What is the Cloud Scorecard Finder?

The Cloud Scorecard Finder is a community-driven initiative developed by Internet2 that allows institutions to evaluate and compare various cloud and AI services. Built on a trusted open-source platform, the Finder provides a comprehensive directory of vendor self-assessments, allowing users to make informed decisions based on crucial factors like security, compliance, and access management.

Matthew D'Emilio, the director of the University Contracts Office at Carnegie Mellon University, emphasized the importance of the Cloud Scorecard, stating, "When I receive a new service to review, I start with the Cloud Scorecard." This underscores the tool’s necessity in providing a clear view of service offerings aligned with current community standards.

Key Features and Benefits

The functionality of the Cloud Scorecard Finder includes several helpful features:

• - Dynamic Filtering: This allows users to filter services based on critical criteria related to compliance, security, and technical integration, streamlining the search process.
• - Side-by-Side Comparisons: Users can quickly compare the features and offerings of multiple services, facilitating a more straightforward decision-making process.
• - Quick Access: The platform provides direct links to vendor information and documentation, making it easy for institutions to reach out when ready.

According to Tom Dugas, associate vice president at Duquesne University, "Ongoing updates to the platform ensure it stays current, helping institutions stay informed of new cloud offerings." Since launching publicly, community feedback has driven iterative improvements, resulting in a more user-friendly interface that retains core functionalities while enhancing the discovery experience.

Engaging with New Vendors

Since the start of 2025, over 15 new vendors have joined the Cloud Scorecard initiative, contributing various AI solutions such as Grammarly and Vocareum. Existing vendors have also been proactive, updating their service capabilities to reflect current technologies. This broad participation not only enriches the offerings available but also provides institutions a wealth of information to make better decisions.

Sean Traigle, senior vice president of sales at boodleAI, stated, "The Cloud Scorecard is a valuable resource for institutions looking to accelerate the technology evaluation process, as it distills critical information into standardized insights." This highlights the Scorecard's role in fostering collaboration between institutions and service providers to promote educational innovation.

Starting the Journey with Cloud Scorecard

The official launch of the Cloud Scorecard Finder marks a significant step in facilitating the procurement of cloud and AI solutions tailored to research and educational needs. Institutions are encouraged to explore the Finder and discover a variety of solutions that align with their mission.

Internet2’s commitment to fostering a robust educational technology community is evident in its development of platforms like the Cloud Scorecard Finder. IT decision-makers are urged to leverage this resource to not only optimize their technology procurement processes but also encourage their vendors to participate in sharing pertinent information that aligns with institutional requirements.

Get Involved!

Are you an RE IT decision-maker? Dive into the world of cloud solutions today! For feedback or inquiries, reach out to the team via email at [email protected]. If you’re a service provider, consider enrolling in the Cloud Scorecard and demonstrate your commitment to the community's standards.

Explore the Internet2 Cloud Scorecard Finder now to enhance your institution’s cloud and AI capabilities and ensure you are equipped for the future of educational technology.