Cloud computing is changing the way Government is doing business. This new "G-Cloud" is enabling those tasked with giving immediate access to records for the population, cutting budgets, and increasing security in our cyber age an answer. Here're some resources to learn more on the ins and outs of the "G-Cloud" and where you can take it in your department.
Government Spending on the Cloud is Only Increasing
According to Dan Virgillito, Security Researcher for the InfoSec Institute he states in a recent article that Governments organizations have begun to grasp the critical importance of data as an asset. Currently, data is drifting into the cloud with solutions like Microsoft's Azure G-Cloud that are being adopted by local, federal, DOD, and other government agencies.
Government agencies should also exercise discretion in the selection of cloud service providers; departments should partner with vendors that have demonstrated specialization and experience in serving the public sector. Such providers can provide oversight required to manage data quality as organizations scale the cloud." - Dan Virgillito, Security Researcher
Mr. Virgillito cited a Congressional research report (pdf document) issued in January 2015 that stated among other things speding on the cloud is increasing and currently close to $7 billion a year. Find more from Mr. Virgillito's article on How Close Is Government/Commercial Organizations In Managing Data Quality in The Cloud?
All Customers Require a Digital Government
One does not have to go too far in finding digital government is starting at the top. (see below) It not only makes sense for customers but uits how government will be done in the near future.
I want us to ask ourselves every day, how are we using technology to make a real difference in people’s lives.” – President Barack Obama
This is for good reason though. Communicating and bringing data to the masses in a cloud secure way eliminates long lines at government offices and expedites services. In the future government offices will be secondary as constituents will conduct business from wherever they are. They seek more efficiency in their life and the result is government will adapt. Starting this plan and strategy today with those 1st steps of getting into the cloud makes a whole lot of sense.
Government Cloud Options
Although in the commercial space the Cloud is a standard it wasn't long ago the thought of going to the Cloud not being an option for any Government. Today the considerations for moving to the Cloud in a secure way is accessible for most any level of Government and makes a whole lot of sense. Security and near-perfect up times have become standards that make going to the Cloud a real option.
You'll find these Cloud service offerings answer those key criteria like being readily scalable supporting Federal Information Security Act (FISMA), Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP) and FedRAMP compliance requirements.
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services provides a highly reliable, scalable, low-cost infrastructure platform in the cloud that powers hundreds of thousands of businesses around the world. Learn more about Amazon Web Services and specifically the services that are available to Government entities on the AWS Government cloud here.
Oracle's Government Cloud
Oracle has been a mainstay in the enterprise and big government space and with the Cloud Oracle does not disappoint. For their long list of enterprise clients it was only natural for Oracle to present a strong presence for the G-Cloud which you can learn more about here.
Microsoft's Azure Cloud for Government
Microsoft is long standing Government go to and with the Cloud is no exception. It's no surprise Microsoft lets us know their dominance in their marketing: "The cloud platform designed to meet US government demands." Here's some more details about the Azure Cloud on Microsoft's website.
Moving to the Cloud Is No Longer an Option?
While many will delay the inevitable the cost savings, efficiency gains, and improvement in customer service make going to the Cloud a foregone conclusion. With the effectiveness of on-premise architecture diminishing, Cloud-based services are a requirement. At V-Soft Consulting we live IN the Cloud.
V-Soft has been trusted to bring expertise across multiple SaaS Cloud solutions. With V-Soft our clients gain the power of expertise in the latest security standards and protocols, ensuring that data is safe and protected.
