Migrating to a hybrid or multi-cloud environment can provide agencies with a variety of benefits, including cost savings, data security, and data sharing capabilities. In addition to these benefits, the cloud can act as an enabler for modernization. However, each agency must take a unique approach to migrate to the cloud environment that best aligns with their mission. To guide agencies on their cloud strategy here are best practices from three agencies leveraging cloud solutions to enable their modernization efforts and optimize data management.
The Department of State
The Department of State migrated its customers from a legacy environment to a cloud-based environment to provide better security and flexibility. In a GovExec webinar, Dr. Nanyie Temlong, Director of Global Product at the U.S. Department of State, explained that this migration has enabled them to better utilize automation, artificial intelligence, and Software as-a-service, which in the long run helps to establish stronger data management for their customers.
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“Finding innovative ways to … manage data governance is really important within State Department,” Dr. Temlong said. “We have various bureaus across the globe, and … every customer has a different business case and [purpose for] what they’re using their data for. So, making sure that we’re analyzing that data and finding innovative ways to make sure that data governance still stays standardized across the different customers is very important.” Temlong added that the Department of State monitors data usage and trends so that it can continuously improve its data management.
The Department of Defense
Multi-cloud environments can offer agencies a variety of benefits by allowing them to combine the capabilities and strengths of multiple cloud service providers to enhance mission and drive operational effectiveness. The Department of Defense (DoD) decided to reap the benefits of a multi-cloud environment when it awarded the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) contract to multiple cloud service providers. This has provided defense agencies with the ability to leverage the “unique strengths and capabilities” of each cloud provider to “build a robust and flexible cloud infrastructure” and drive mission success.
In an interview with Government Technology Insider (GTI), Frank Reyes, Cloud Solutions Leader at Maximus, discussed how the DoD is leveraging multi-cloud to drive their mission. “The Department of Defense adoption of a multi cloud strategy reflects its commitment to leveraging the best cloud capabilities available to achieve its mission objectives,” Reyes said. “By embracing this approach, the DoD gains the flexibility, resilience, and innovation necessary to respond effectively to evolving threats and operational needs. However, it’s important to note that implementing and managing a multi cloud environment requires careful planning, robust security measures and ongoing governance.”
The Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been focused on integrating cloud solutions to improve data access while being mindful of security risks. The DHS is currently considering whether to expand its cloud investments to include an Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure Provider Suite (ECLIPS) which would help further its mission by optimizing its data sharing capabilities.
Reyes explained in an interview with GTI, how this cloud solution can help to empower a mobile and agile workforce and provide faster and more effective services to the public as a result. “With an enterprise cloud infrastructure, DHS can optimize its applications and services to be more responsive to its mission needs,” Reyes said. “Cloud solutions provide the ability to automatically and dynamically allocate resources based on demand, ensuring that citizens experience fast access to critical infrastructure and services. Whether it’s accessing immigration data, disaster response information, or other public safety services, citizens can expect to have improved response times, reduced wait times, and better overall user experiences.”
Cloud solutions enable agencies with the ability to optimize data management, improve data security, enable innovative technology, empower stronger workforce capabilities, and improve service delivery. By understanding strategies used by other agencies leveraging cloud, federal agencies can learn from their peers and acquire the knowledge needed to successfully migrate to the cloud to continue to drive the mission forward and support their key constituents.
Learn more strategies from agencies leveraging cloud to optimize data management here.
