Cloud Computing Is Coming!

“In an attempt to save money, federal agency executives should plan to shift their information technology to the practice of ‘cloud computing’ in the next 12 months,” says U.S. Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra. Kundra has a three-part strategy for deploying cloud computing:

1) Use “Apps.gov” to simplify the acquisition process;
2) Provide budgetary incentives; and
3) Centralize the security certification process.

“Cloud computing” allows outside vendors to operate and service infrastructure and applications. Obviously, the biggest barrier to this approach promises to be satisfying security and privacy concerns. To that end, the 2011 budget will contain guidance for all agencies.

The General Services Administration (GSA) said it will work with agencies to streamline the process for security certification by encouraging them to accept certifications for low-risk systems from other agencies. The reciprocity should prevent vendors from having to re-certify the same system multiple times.

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