Federal agencies are now officially exploring cloud computing as an option for some of their information technology requirements. This development represents a significant shift from the quiet pilot activity so characteristic of new technology in the Federal space. Examples of this apparent increase in interest include:
A recent Navy Next Generation Enterprise Network industry day during which the Navy also announced the intent on releasing additional Request for Information (RFI) regarding several different aspects of the NGEN segments. One of the topics of interest was cloud computing
A Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control information technology infrastructure procurement that list cloud computing as a capability that needed to be supported
A Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Broad Area Announcement that is seeking proposals on a Cloud Computing Infrastructure Pilot that "... establishes a private cloud computing capability, like that of Google, for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will run on the Global Information Grid (GIG)..."
Until now most of these efforts have been quietly pursued under existing contract as exploratory pilots. These three examples, however, represent focused interest by funded programs of record, an apparent acceptance by these organization in the inevitability of cloud computing as a mainstream technology.
"Proponents say cloud computing could mean a big shift for traditional government IT providers, such as defense contractors SAIC and CACI. 'We think this thing is going to fundamentally change the way we leverage, procure and utilize IT,' said Michael Farber, a Booz Allen Hamilton vice president."
2009 is certainly turning into a big year for Federal cloud computing.
Kevin Jackson is currently an Engineering Fellow with NJVC, one of the largest information technology solutions providers supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Prior to this position, he served in various senior management positions including VP, Dataline LLC, Director Federal for Sirius Computer Solutions and Worldwide Sales Executive for IBM. His formal education includes MSEE (Computer Engineering), MA National Security & Strategic Studies and a BS Aerospace Engineering. Jackson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1979 and retired from the US Navy earning specialties in Space Systems Engineering, Airborne Logistics and Airborne Command and Control. He also served with the National Reconnaissance Office, Operational Support Office, providing tactical support to Navy and Marine Corps forces worldwide. Kevin is the founder and author of “Cloud Musings”, a widely followed blog that focuses on the use of cloud computing by the Federal government. He is also the editor and founder of “Government Cloud Computing” electronic magazine, published at Ulitzer.com.
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Richard Davies wrote: The UK has a good crop of technology pioneers in cloud computing - for example ElasticHosts, FlexiScale, Flexiant, OnApp - and also some strong government initiatives such as G-Cloud.
We will have to see whether this kind of technical leadership converts into swift mass-market adoption or not.
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