Now, retailers and other organizations that process credit card transactions can move critical payment applications to the Verizon cloud with confidence, knowing that the cloud infrastructure they're using is protected by an industry-recognized set of payment-card security standards.

In 2010, Verizon CaaS, delivered from company cloud centers in the U.S. and Europe, was the first cloud-based solution to successfully complete a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) audit for storing, processing and transmitting credit card information. To become PCI DSS-validated, Verizon CaaS' physical and virtual infrastructure underwent a comprehensive third-party examination of its policies, procedures and technical systems, as well as an on-site assessment and systemwide vulnerability scan.

"Compliance with industry standards such as PCI DSS is a competitive differentiator for Verizon in the marketplace," said Joseph S. Crawford, executive director, enterprise cloud services, Verizon. "As the adoption of cloud-enabled IT services continues to accelerate, it is essential that we continue to invest in delivering a secure, PCI compliant-ready cloud environment that supports a broader range of business-critical applications."

The PCI DSS, developed by the founding payment brands of the PCI Security Standards Council, helps facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures globally. Intended to help organizations proactively protect customer account data, the PCI DSS is a multifaceted security standard that includes requirements for security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, software design and other critical protective measures.