While artificial intelligence and zero trust may have been the big buzzwords in government IT this past year, cloud continues to make a steady and dynamic impact on how government works. Introduced in 2019, the Federal Cloud Computing Strategy has guided and encouraged agencies to shift both administrative and mission-focused systems to cloud platforms over the course of two administrations. With the pandemic, the introduction of widespread and long-lasting remote work accelerated plans to move applications to the cloud, as dispersed employees needed to access key systems to keep day-to-day operations running.
Today, cloud platforms and cloud-based technologies are critical pieces of government operations, improving workflow for government teams and helping agencies meet key goals like modernizing communication and collaboration, enabling citizen engagement, and supporting disaster recovery.
Cloud in the Field
Among the many benefits of cloud computing — such as cost savings, security, faster development, and scalability — one of the most impactful is the consistent user experience. By putting applications in the cloud, an agency can ensure that everyone has the same experience, no matter where they access the software, system, or tool they need. A person working in the field doing an inspection, a soldier deployed to a frontline, or a citizen checking in during their subway commute home will have the same online experience as someone sitting at a computer at headquarters.
Programs like these demonstrate how cloud computing improves consistent access:
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency had a goal of migrating 95% of legacy system assets to a cloud environment by the end of fiscal year 2024. Their aim was to ensure that data and applications are available 24/7 to users regardless of their location or device.
- The U.S. Army has a pilot chat app for the Department of Defense and external partners to enable better communication between soldiers, mission partners, local law enforcement, international partners, and more.
- The Homeland Security Information Network connects the Department of Homeland Security and thousands of users from state, local, and tribal agencies to coordinate planning and response.
With many more examples like these across agencies, it is clear that there is a bright future for cloud in government.
Cloud Starts at the Top
This grassroots implementation of cloud has been made possible by executive-level guidance. In addition to the Federal Cloud Computing Strategy, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) has been a key enabler of cloud use in government. FedRAMP has continued to evolve to meet the growing use of and need for cloud solutions. In 2024 alone, the program:
- Released an 18-month roadmap focused on improving customer experience and building the program’s leadership on cybersecurity.
- Launched the Agile Delivery pilot, which introduced a shift to continuous assessment rather than the current method of assessing point-in-time snapshots.
- Introduced Automate.fedramp.gov, a technical documentation hub designed specifically to support cloud vendors in the development, validation, and submission of their digital authorization packages for FedRAMP review.
The Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) is now measuring cloud usage by evaluating the five requirements of the Federal Cloud Computing Strategy. The latest report, released in the fall of 2024, shows that eight of the 13 measured agencies earned A’s for compliance.
The groundwork laid with cloud, and cloud’s success to date, will support agencies as they look to improve operational and cost efficiency.
As the founder of GovEvents and GovWhitePapers, Kerry is on a mission to help businesses interact with, evolve, and serve the government. With 25+ years of experience in the information technology and government industries, Kerry drives the overall strategy and oversees operations for both companies. She has also served in executive marketing roles at a number of government IT providers.
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