More states are developing their own certification models when considering the security of cloud platforms.

The group, which is modeled on the FedRAMP certifications for federal cloud vendors, said it is "far surpassing our expectations."

State CIOs continue to extol the virtues of cloud services, but budgeting rules and uncertainty about certifications pose barriers.

Fifty-one products from 24 companies made the cut as the group encourages more vendors to apply.

Arizona tech officials plan to spend the next year testing a new program to vet and monitor the security practices of their cloud vendors.