Federal Cloud Computing Strategy

Objective

  • Articulate the benefits, considerations, and trade-offs of cloud computing
  • Provide a decision framework and case examples to support agencies in migrating towards cloud computing
  • Highlight cloud computing implementation resources
  • Identify Federal Government activities and roles and responsibilities for catalyzing cloud adoption

Decision Framework

Select

  • Identify which IT services to move and when
    • Identify sources of value for cloud migrations: efficiency, agility, innovation
    • Determine cloud readiness: security, market availability, government readiness, and technology lifecycle

Provision

  • Aggregate demand at Department level where possible
  • Ensure interoperability and integration with IT portfolio
  • Contract effectively to ensure agency needs are met
  • Realize value by repurposing or decommissioning legacy assets and redeploying freed resources

Manage

  • Shift IT mindset from assets to services
  • Build new skill sets as required
  • Actively monitor SLAs to ensure compliance and continuous improvement
  • Re-evaluate vendor and service models periodically to maximize benefits and minimize risks
Framework is flexible and can be adjusted to meet individual agency needs

Catalyzing Cloud Adoption

  1. Leveraging cloud computing accelerators
    • Cloud computing business case templates and examples
    • Government cloud computing community and resources
  2. Ensuring a secure, trustworthy environment
  3. Streamlining procurement processes
  4. Establishing cloud computing standards
  5. Recognizing the international dimensions of cloud computing
  6. Laying a solid governance foundation