US government paves way for cloud-first policy

Washington is a step closer to adopting a cloud-first policy with the publication of a new report

The US federal government is a step closer to adopting a cloud-first policy with the publication of a new report.

The Federal Cloud Computing Strategy outlines how government agencies should evaluate which parts of their work could be supported by cloud computing.

Federal chief information officer Vivek Kundra said: "The adoption of cloud computing will play a pivotal role in helping the government close the productivity gap between the public and private sectors."

The strategy outlines how the federal government can accelerate the safe, secure adoption of cloud computing, and provide agencies with a framework for migrating to the cloud.

"The three-part strategy on cloud technology will revolve around commercial cloud technologies where feasible, launching private government clouds, and utilising regional clouds with state and local governments where appropriate," Kundra said.

It also examines how agencies can address challenges related to the adoption of cloud computing, such as privacy, procurement, standards, and governance.

Each US federal agency is now required to re-evaluate its technology strategy to look for opportunities to move across to cloud computing.

Some agencies, including the US Army Experience Centre and Defense Information Systems Agency, have already adopted cloud computing for at least some of their work.

Moving forward, agencies are required to evaluate their technology sourcing strategies so that cloud computing options are fully considered and consistent with the 25-point cloud-first plan.

As part of the policy, each federal agency will move three services to the cloud over the next 18 months, Kundra said.