Together with these RFPs, a policy framework is being developed by the Department of Internal Affairs in tandem with core agencies. This department is expected to report back to relevant ministers by the end of 2012 about broad-based cloud adoption plans.
Cloud computing will enable agencies to pay per-use for ICT products and services delivered through networks, rather than maintain their own ICT infrastructure, according to NZ’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Chris Tremain.
He says cloud computing is an “exciting, emerging technology” that will contribute directly to better public services, promote innovation, and substantially reduce costs.
“There are many opportunities for implementing cloud-based services across public sector agencies. The first will be cloud-based office productivity services like email, spread-sheets and word processing, which will improve consistency and enable much better collaboration between agencies.”
Cloud technology also offers immediate access to the latest software versions, updates, and patches. This access will deliver economies of scale to foster innovation — while taking advantage of new technologies as these become available.
“This allows services to be developed much more quickly by using cloud-based technologies on demand, rather than going through a long development and implementation time frame,” notes Minister Tremain. “Using ICT as a service allows immediate access, customisation and quick implementation.”
A government position paper says cloud computing will enable agencies to use ICT resources on a pay-per-use basis, using data and services stored externally. This avoids having to invest in agencies’ own ICT infrastructure and capability. A good comparison is the provision of electricity services.
Moving forward, all agencies are expected to take a ‘cloud first’ approach when making procurement decisions. This approach will drive the standardisation of technology solutions and services, however does not require selecting “only one solution for all agencies.”
Among the options, agencies have the flexibility to directly engage with service providers. But these relationships are expected to act within all-of-government frameworks.
New Zealand’s moves into cloud computing mirror trends in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the US. These countries are also fast-tracking all-of-government frameworks to roll out cloud services.
The security of and access to information stored in the cloud remains paramount; the NZ government notes that it is taking a conservative, cautious approach. For now, cloud-based office productivity services will be hosted onshore — enabling agencies to better tackle privacy and security concerns.
The Department of Internal Affairs says it is developing “robust frameworks” to ensure that internationally-recognised security, access and audit practices are put into place. This department is reporting back to relevant ministers about developing security frameworks by year’s end, among other activities.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Shahida Sweeney
Quelle/Source: futureGov, 31.08.2012
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