Logo/Identity for new cloud computing non-profit

Open [Inter]cloud [Forum]

Open [Inter]cloud [Forum] is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering standards for open cloud computing using open formats, open interfaces, open data and/or open source.

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service over the Internet (like electricity).

As the Internet is a global network of networks, the Intercloud is a global cloud of clouds.

Key themes include:
- transparency
- trustworthiness
- independence
- openness
- technology
- internet & networking
- cloud computing & open cloud
- interoperability, portability & integration

Other similar/related organisations include The Open Grid Forum (http://www.ogf.org/), The Open Group (http://www.opengroup.org/), W3C (http://www.w3.org/), Open Source Initiative (http://opensource.org/), Cloud Computing Interoperability Forum (http://www.cloudforum.org/), CloudCamp (http://www.cloudcamp.com/), etc. Sample vendors include Amazon (http://aws.amazon.com/), Google (http://google.com/a), Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsazure/), Salesforce (http://salesforce.com/). You needn't waste too much time looking for inspiration here though.

We're associated with the Open Cloud Initiative (http://www.opencloudinitiative.org/) and developed a certification trademark (attached) which was in turn based on (and intended to be compatible with) the Open Source Initiative (http://opensource.org/) logo. Chain link symbolises interoperability, gap symbolises openness, etc.

Audience includes technology vendors, customers and practitioners. Individuals are typically middle-aged professionals ranging from young, startup student/techie types to older, more conservative executives/security folk.

Identity should have mass market appeal as it also targets end users of cloud services like Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

We are looking for a corporate identity for use online as an avatar/logo, on websites, business cards, PDF/print letterheads, etc.

Some suggestions:
- Cloud(s)
- Computer(s)
- Network(s)
- Interlinked components (like the Amazon AWS boxes, multiple clouds, etc.)
- For context, this graphic shows the evolution of computing: http://j.mp/4Vxuy3
- Wikipedia article on cloud computing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
- Anything else?

Some guidelines:
1. Avoid clipart/cartoons - needs to look corporate, not cheap.
2. Simple, clean, sans-serif typefaces preferred (if used).
3. Feel free to experiment with colours, though ideally solid/corporate colours (deep green, navy blue, royal red, etc.) rather than e.g. pastels.
4. Break the rules if you think you know better than us (you are the experts after all)

One problem: the name is not yet set in stone. "Open Cloud" is well established and "Intercloud" will pick up in 2010, but there's a trademark that could cause us some headaches.

Preferred file formats:
- Adobe Illustrator (AI) in CMYK for print
- JPG, PNG and/or SVG for web.
- Optional: drop the logo onto business card/A4 letterhead artboards.
- Optional: link to free/affordable font identical to/compatbile with logo text (if any).

P.S. The initiative is currently funded by me personally and this is one of many expenses, which is why there's only a modest reward. It should, however, serve as a good reference.