US govt updates Cloud First into Cloud Smart

The Trump administration in the US has released a draft update to the previous government’s Cloud First federal cloud computing strategy for public feedback. The new update has been named Cloud Smart.

The updated strategy aims to reflect US agencies’ deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of cloud computing compared to when the Cloud First strategy was published in 2010.

It focuses on mission outcomes of ICT modernisation projects, and seeks to ensure agencies have the ability to ensure the technology they select is best suited to achieving these outcomes.

The new strategy also seeks to integrate the key components of IT modernisation initiatives — including security, procurement and workforce capabilities — into a single standard.

“Historically, policies have isolated these areas, creating confusion and a misunderstanding of requirements, mission and needs,” the strategy states.

“However, they are deeply linked, and require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to IT modernisation.”

The security component of the draft strategy includes sections governing implementation of trusted internet connections, continuous data protection and awareness, and compliance with the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP).

The procurement section covers category management to improve buying practices, service level agreements with providers and security requirements for contracts. The workforce section covers identifying skill gaps, as well as reskilling current employees and recruiting to address these gaps.

Government agencies will also be required under the strategy to share their experiences with transformation projects with other agencies.

The cloud strategy will be open for public comment until 24 October.

Image courtesy whitehouse.gov

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