Back

Coming Soon To A Government Near You: Cloud Computing

As cloud computing becomes more prevalent and accepted governments are beginning to take the leap and move over to the cloud While moving to the clo...

4 min read
Published on Mar 24, 2015
coming-soon-to-a-government-near-you-cloud-computing

As cloud computing becomes more prevalent and accepted, governments are beginning to take the leap and move over to the cloud. While moving to the cloud is a big step away from the traditional on-site servers, the benefits are huge. Office 365 Government Licenses allow you secure access to your data any time, anywhere.  Agile IT is here to help make it a seamless transition, so contact us today to get started.


Can a model procurement agreement speed the adoption of cloud computing?

When cloud computing first emerged, government officials viewed it with some skepticism. Long accustomed to owning and controlling all of their IT hardware, software and networks, states and localities didn’t take very seriously the idea that they could, for a monthly fee, simply stream pretty much everything to a worker’s desktop. Delivering a Netflix movie was one thing, the argument went, but a robust data management system was quite another.

What a difference a fiscal meltdown can make. When the recession hit Oakland County, Mich., in 2009, it lost 60,000 jobs in one year and saw the taxable value of its real estate shrink by 25 percent over the next two, according to Phil Bertolini, the county’s chief information officer. “That put extreme pressure on our revenue stream,” he says.

So Bertolini took another look at cloud computing. This time, he found that lower costs and increased reliability made the cloud a viable technology option for cash-strapped governments like his. He estimates that about 30 percent of the county’s technologies and platforms are suitable for the cloud; he expects to see substantial savings down the road, too, as it’s unlikely the county will continue to build or expand its own data centers. Instead, Bertolini says, cities, counties and states can turn to cloud providers and rent what capacity they need at that moment. It’s far more cost effective.

But the cloud presents a few procurement challenges for government. To start, it’s a service that government agencies consume. It’s not like buying asphalt, bricks or trucks. “Most governments are good at capital planning and capital budgets,” says Bertolini. “But we’re not good at turning that into an operating budget.” Budgets have to be adjusted to accommodate this new type of procurement.

One solution, a growing number of experts say, is a model agreement which covers the kinds of terms and conditions that affect 80 percent of every deal between government and cloud vendors. Such a model would help state and local governments of all sizes, especially smaller entities that badly want to take advantage of the cloud’s benefits: What government can do in the cloud is constantly increasing, from storing vast amounts of data to using the latest in data management tools, email and office productivity software. The cloud also offers a quick way to launch a new service using the latest technology. Smaller cities, though, usually don’t have the knowledge to negotiate an agreement needed to make the deal work in the public sector.

Dugan Petty, who has worked in both procurement and IT during his career in state government, says cloud computing is a sea change in the business model for how government uses IT. Currently a senior fellow at the Center for Digital Government (which is run by Governing’s parent company e.Republic), Petty has been working for months with government and industry to draft a model agreement that can be a framework for how government sets up deals with cloud providers. “It’s going to create some common ground for public agencies,” he says.

New Jersey’s Emanuel agrees. “It will set the bar for what’s reasonable and acceptable. If we don’t do this we risk falling further behind in terms of applying new technology when we need it.”  

This article excerpt, by Todd Newcombe, originally appeared here: http://bit.ly/1s2pU5l

This post has matured and its content may no longer be relevant beyond historical reference. To see the most current information on a given topic, click on the associated category or tag.

Related Posts

Office 365 License Comparison: Business Plans Vs. E5, E3 and E1

GCC High Vs GCC for Protecting CUI with CMMC

Learn the key differences between GCC and GCC High for handling CUI under CMMC, DFARS, and NIST 800-171. Find out which cloud meets your compliance needs.

Mar 31, 2025
4 min read
Risks of not using a CMMC RPO

The Risks of Not Using a CMMC RPO for Compliance and Certification Readiness

A CMMC RPO helps organizations prepare for certification and avoid compliance failures. Learn why working with an RPO is essential for achieving CMMC compliance.

Mar 20, 2025
8 min read
CMMC 2.0 Require GCC High for Compliance

Does CMMC 2.0 Require GCC High for Compliance?

Does CMMC 2.0 require GCC High? Learn the cloud options for compliance, data security, and protecting CUI under NIST 800-171 and DFARS.

Mar 17, 2025
10 min read
Office 365 License Comparison: Business Plans Vs. E5, E3 and E1

CMMC RPO vs a C3PAO: Understanding Their Roles in Compliance

Understanding the difference between an RPO and a C3PAO is crucial for CMMC compliance. Learn why they should be separate and how an RPO helps prepare for certification.

Mar 15, 2025
6 min read
Can You Meet CMMC with Google Workspace?

Can You Meet CMMC with Google Workspace?

Is Google Workspace CMMC compliant? Learn about its DFARS, NIST 800-171, and ITAR limitations and how migrating to GCC High ensures full compliance.

Mar 4, 2025
7 min read
Is Maintaining a GCC High Tenant Worth It for Non-Government

Evaluating the Need for a GCC High Tenant in Non-Government Organizations

Explore whether maintaining a GCC High tenant is necessary for organizations not involved in government work. Understand the pros and cons, costs, and compliance considerations.

Feb 25, 2025
7 min read

Ready to Secure and Defend Your Data
So Your Business Can Thrive?

Fill out the form to see how we can protect your data and help your business grow.

Loading...
Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Let's start a conversation

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Schedule a Free Consultation

Location

Agile IT Headquarters
4660 La Jolla Village Drive #100
San Diego, CA 92122

Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out

Schedule a Free Consultation