US govt concerned about cloud

Concerns around trust and security is hampering the US federal government's efforts to adopt cloud computing, states Washington Technology.

The Lockheed Martin Cyber Security Alliance claims 70% of government technology decision-makers in federal, military and intelligence agencies are concerned about data security, privacy and integrity when it comes to migrating to cloud computing.

Only 14% of government agencies are currently using cloud applications; however, 16% are discussing migrating to cloud computing or are in the process of doing so.

Hitachi Data Systems is working with Microsoft to develop a unified computing platform for on-site and cloud installations, says Zycko.

The company says the technology will boost risk management operations and reduce costs.

Senior vice-president of global solutions strategy and development, John Mansfield, explains the technology is aimed at enterprises with large scalability needs that are looking to make the switch to a private cloud within their data centres.

Organisations dealing with smaller budgets are struggling with access control management, reports eWeek.

A survey from the Ponemon Institute found 87% of respondents believe employees have too much access to information resources they do not need as organisations worry about data theft.

"Our study confirms that IT staff is not only unable to keep up with a rising flood of constantly changing user access requirements and regulations, they are falling behind," says Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute.