10 Questions Every Cloud Computing Buyer Must Ask

I’m fascinated by the fact that cloud computing has become ubiquitous in our lives – and that most of us don’t even realize when we’re benefiting from cloud technology. For instance, we’re using the cloud when we search Amazon, use an app on our phone, or watch a movie on Netflix.

In many ways, this phenomenon is true in government, too. The cloud is foundational for agencies that are seeking to deliver efficiencies, share information, access to software and provide instant access to organizational data – though I’m not quite sure if it’s ubiquitous in the public sector just yet.

If you’re still thinking about your approach to cloud computing, I’ve been doing quite a bit of research on the subject and I came across several resources that I’d recommend for your reading list:

• Capitals in the Clouds Part III – Recommendations for Mitigating Risks: Jurisdictional, Contracting and Service Levels
• Capitals in the Clouds Part IV – Cloud Security: On Mission and Means
• Information Technology Reform: Progress Made but Future Cloud Computing Efforts Should be Better Planned
• Podcast: A Review of Federal Agencies’ Move to Cloud Computing

After reviewing the documents, I thought of 10 questions to start with for implementing a cloud initiative.

1. Does the cloud support our current platform and run critical customer applications?
2. What’s the pricing model to adopt the cloud service?
3. What are our basic storage needs and how can we scale, as needed? What are the associated costs?
4. What kind of service model do we require: infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, and software as a service? Should we invest in a public, private or hybrid cloud?
5. How have we engaged with each business unit? Are we aware of the needs of each unit?
6. How is our data protected?
7. How is the data storage facility protected?
8. What is our back up plan if the system goes down? What kind of customer service is provided to us in that type of situation?
9. Can we monitor in real time? Is there a dashboard option we have access too?
10. If needed, what’s our exit strategy?

What do you think? What are some questions you believe you should ask?

Related Resources:

• 5 Ways to Create the Virtuous Cycle of Citizen Engagement
• Efficient Workflows Through Enterprise Content Management [Infographic]
• 5 Benefits of Leveraging ECM and GIS Technology
• 3 Keys to Workflow Efficiencies: Capturing, Sharing and Managing Documents
• Infographic: How Enterprise Content Management Software is Transforming the Public Sector
• Exploring How Enterprise Content Management Improves Workflows and Organizational Efficiencies

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	OnBase is a proven enterprise content management solution for each level of government, helping each meet today’s challenges of smaller budgets and staffs while laying the foundation for simplified, efficient and mobile government information technology. To learn more, visit Hyland’s resources page on GovLoop.