GSA Launches Effort to Transition Federal Government to Cloud Computing

  • Jun 07, 2012

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced an important benchmark that will pave the way for agencies across the federal government to accelerate adoption of cloud computing. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, known as FedRAMP, will standardize security assessments of cloud products and services across the government to avoid duplication and to deliver significant savings. Today, the program will begin accepting security certification applications from private sector companies that provide cloud solutions.

Cloud computing saves the federal government money and provides flexible platforms that enable increased efficiency, agility, and innovation.

"GSA has a history of leading the government in IT innovation, going back to introducing the federal workforce to the Internet in the 1990s," said GSA Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini. "These programs continue that tradition -- delivering low-cost solutions to federal agencies, streamlining operations and reducing redundancy. We will continue to push aggressively to provide government-wide solutions for the next generation of enterprise IT and workforce mobility."

GSA is leading the way in helping the federal government transition to cloud services, which will in turn help agencies meet the goals set by the Obama Administration on cloud computing and reducing the numbers of federal data centers.

GSA's Accomplishments on the Cloud So Far:

1. First to Move Email to the Cloud:
Last year, GSA was the first federal agency to move to a cloud based email system, which has saved $2 million in costs so far. In addition, email system operating costs are expected to see additional 50 percent in savings with an estimated $15 million in savings over five years.

2. Working to Standardize Security of Cloud Services:
FedRAMP is an initiative to standardize security assessments of cloud products and services. By addressing one of the key barriers to cloud adoption, this program will accelerate adoption by federal agencies. It will allow agencies to share authorizations, saving time and money otherwise spent on duplicative security reviews.

Starting today, FedRAMP will accept applications from cloud service providers, beginning the process to get a government-wide provisional security authorization. More information, including application forms, points of contact, and assessment organizations can be found at www.fedramp.gov. FedRAMP reflects extensive collaboration within government and with industry, including partners such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and the Office of Management and Budget.

3. Working on Blanket Purchase Agreements for the Federal Government:
Everything agencies need to move to the cloud is available right now through GSA. The products currently available from GSA include data storage, virtual machines, and web hosting. GSA is working to provide more cloud services to federal agencies, including email services.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.