Back

Windows Azure Opens the Door for Federal Cloud Adoption

Federal and local government agencies have had secure access to Office 365 for some time now. But agencies wanting to make use of Microsoft Azure Government Cloud services have, until recently, been denied the opportunity...

2 min read
Published on Nov 27, 2013
windows-azure-opens-the-door-for-federal-cloud-adoption

Federal and local government agencies have had secure access to Office 365 for some time now. But agencies wanting to make use of Microsoft Azure Governement Cloud services have, until recently, been denied the opportunity.

Photo courtesy of betanews.com

Windows Azure Opens the Door for Federal Cloud Adoption

This article excerpt, by Rick Blaisdell, originally appeared here: https://bit.ly/1fwPJly

A few days ago, Microsoft received notice that Windows Azure has been granted Provisional Authorities to Operate (P-ATO) from the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Joint Authorization Board (JAB).  Windows Azure is the first public cloud platform, with infrastructure services and platform services, to receive a JAB P-ATO. This opens the door for agencies to quickly meet U.S. government Cloud First Computing initiatives and realize the benefits of the cloud using Windows Azure.

FedRAMP is a U.S. government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. The JAB is the primary governance group of the FedRAMP program, consisting of the chief information officers of the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. General Services Administration.

As government organizations realize the benefits of secure cloud computing, we should all take a closer look at the Windows Azure platform. Windows Azure is an open and flexible cloud platform that can help you create web applications and manage data.

Here are some Windows Azure use cases:

•to build web applications that run and store their data in Microsoft data centers

•to store data, with the applications that use this data running on-premises

•to extend the data storage infrastructure

•to create virtual machines for development and test

•to run SharePoint and other applications

Microsoft aims to showcase Window’s Azure leadership in cloud security, offering this dedicated cloud environment that can meet the specific needs of government agencies. Susie Adams, CTO for Microsoft’s federal government business declared that the differences between this government-only cloud and Microsoft’s public Windows Azure cloud computing environment is the warranty that government tenants are physically and logically separated from other tenants, and that they will meet the more stringent security controls required by the Department of Defense.

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