Australia embraces cloud computing

cloud computing in the public sector has been welcomed by the Australian federal government in a long-awaited report, reveals Experian QAS.

Although officials believe it will be a few years until cloud has the privacy and security needed to host government data, agencies should be able to choose cloud-based services where they offer the best value for money.

By the end of the year, it is believed the government will decide whether to set up a whole-of-government panel for public cloud service providers.

Also, it is believed that a government app store for cloud will be set up within 20 months, pending investigation.

According to Future Gov, Information Management Office explained that the 45-page Cloud Computing Strategy has been “developed in consultation with government agencies and industry as part of the department of finance and deregulation's role to monitor and provide guidance on emerging technologies”.

The Australian reports that there is no change to the procurement approval processes for cloud technologies, as agencies don't need the finance department to approve cloud computing contracts.

However, agencies need to advise the Australian government information management office of proposed cloud arrangements.

Larger agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office and Immigration have conducted cloud computing trials on their own.