Now UK public sector buyers have their own catalogue from which to select Cloud services and providers, but that doesn’t of course mean that they’re going to know how to deploy them most effectively.
That’s one of the challenges addressed by new recommendations in the US from the State and Local Government Cloud Commission contained in a report from the cross-industry TechAmerica Foundation.
In addition to the report, the Commission has opened a portal that will capture and share leading practices and emerging trends as Cloud Computing deployment advances in states and localities. The end result, hopes the Foundation, will be a knowledge framework for Cloud Computing that acts as the catalyst for further collaboration and idea exchange.
There’s much more to be done, admits Jennifer Kerber, President of the TechAmerica Foundation:
That’s a critical step, argues Gavin Newsom, California Lt. Governor:
- Selecting the right deployment and service models should be a primary consideration
- Remember authentication must be managed across all Cloud environments
- Cloud environments should include identity management and related user protection capabilities
- Cloud providers should be encouraged to limit the use of proprietary tools and storage platforms.
- Create a multiphase strategy for Cloud Computing adoption and deployment
- Build an inventory of applications to be moved to the Cloud
- Analyse process and financial impacts, gaps, efficiencies
- Determine how cloud computing will impact current technical operations and architecture considerations.
- The Foundation recommends that States create a state RFP/contract vehicle specifically tailored for Cloud Computing and/or Cloud services.
- When using an existing, non-cloud specific procurement vehicle, use terms and conditions specific to Cloud services
- Develop and require specific terms and conditions for data portability, records management, security and privacy, and SLAs.
