Federal agencies that are interested in moving to the cloud could reap major benefits if they are willing to change how they work. Many government organizations are utilizing the cloud right now for data storage, but are they using the cloud in such a way as to see real change? The opportunity to use cloud architecture to allow workers to work with each other in a more mobile fashion is right there for agencies that are willing to use it. Cloud models allow experimentation, automated server creation for new software and other useful things for agencies. The real question is why isn’t it being used more frequently?
Cloud computing for government agencies is all about making data accessible while keeping it secure. Because cloud providers can implement the best possible security features on their servers, data stored there is relatively safe. More importantly, however, the data is also accessible for any authorized organization that would need to view to it, according to Computer Weekly. This means that it would be much simpler for local agencies to share important data with each other. For example, the local police department could quickly share details on crime with the local registrar in order to cut down on the time needed to send information on cases back and forth. By doing this, those agencies could both get their tasks done more efficiently without either of them having to pay for a bunch of expensive servers. A state or county-built server room would be more than enough to process this information fairly quickly.
Moving to the cloud can be a challenge
One thing that many organizations struggle with when they move to the cloud is dealing with the problems of interfacing with older legacy systems. This is why many experts recommend that those looking to add cloud computing for local government groups start from the ground up. Saving information onto a format or file that can be transmitted is good, and then refreshing the entire office technical system with the cloud in mind is the only way to ensure that an organization is able to truly make use of the cloud. Working with legacy systems frequently causes snags for IT departments, according to Network Computing. Moving all important employee files to the cloud ensures that people can work from home more easily than they would otherwise, or complete tasks in a mobile fashion.
One element that deserves consideration is a mobile network for police and firefighting departments. Organizations that work in service of public safety stand to gain greatly from the introduction of tablets and other mobile devices. These specifically work well with a mobile cloud strategy for utilizing information. Because these devices can stay out in the field but still also be connected to a cloud network, they offer unprecedented mobility. An officer may not even need a desk with the addition of this kind of technology. When paramedics can file incident reports from almost any place, much of the physical footprint from their jobs can be minimized.
Cloud technology provides a variety of benefits for agencies to take advantage of. Utilizing every part of this technology allows agencies to get the most for their money’s worth. Because the cloud is so versatile in how it can be used, it is likely to continue to be a main part of many organization’s IT strategies. Whether it is connecting agencies to experts across the globe or using tablets in the field, the cloud will continue to be a central utility for groups of all kinds.