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  5. Federal Government Makes A Push Into Cloud Computing: Page 2 of 2
Cloud Infrastructure

Federal Government Makes A Push Into Cloud Computing: Page 2 of 2

The U.S. government is undertaking an effort to promote cloud computing by requiring federal agencies to deliver one IT service in the cloud within 12 months and two more within 18 months. While the initiative is expected to save the government $14 billion in its first year, a survey shows there are budgetary and security issues that may make the transition difficult.
April 21, 2011

Security issues were cited as another obstacle to cloud adoption by 71% of CIOs and 66% of IT managers. Agencies such as the Social Security Administration and those regulating health care have to keep personal information private, while intelligence and defense-related agencies have their own security issues.

The government this year launched a program called FedRAMP, which is intended as a consolidated point for government-wide security authorization and risk management activities related to cloud computing systems. However, the survey revealed that 64% of respondents are not optimistic FedRAMP will help secure the cloud, and 56% don't think it will speed cloud adoption.

But VMware's Black says cloud technology can enhance security. "In anything, there's going to be best practices, and it depends on the IT people to implement security practices," she says.

See more on this topic by subscribing to Network Computing Pro Reports 2011 Salary Survey: Government (subscription required).

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