All-of-government cloud computing approach

On 30 August 2012 Hon Chris Tremain, Minister of Internal Affairs announced an all-of-government approach to cloud computing. The Government Chief Information Officer is leading this work, in keeping with Government's agreed ICT priorities and the Better Public Services reform programme.

Cloud computing allows organisations to use a service (or range of services) from providers on a pay-per-use, or subscription basis, without needing to invest in the underlying hardware and software that delivers those services.

Government's move to a 'cloud first' policy means that agencies will adopt cloud services either when faced with new procurements or an upcoming contract extension decision. The adoption of an all-of-government approach to cloud means that as service offerings become available the core public service will be expected to transition from the way they are currently operating.

Cloud-based office productivity services will be based onshore, in New Zealand, for the time being, until the risks and mitigations of off-shore hosting are better understood and able to be appropriately managed.

There are significant financial benefits associated with a move to cloud-based services, largely from the change in business model – from owning and operating hardware and software to consuming these services, as required.

However, the non-financial benefits will be significant as well. For example, immediate access to the latest software versions, updates, the ability to better collaborate across agencies, and the efficiency of a single procurement initiative for all agencies.

Procurement processes for the first two cloud-based services, Office Productivity as a Service (OPaaS) and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) are currently underway. Desktop as a Service is the delivery of desktops and applications to end user devices as a service. The service will include desktop and application virtualisation plus the management of traditional desktops and laptops, all on a subscription basis.

It is anticipated DaaS will enable government employees to access their desktop and applications from almost any device and location; reduce the need for agencies to invest in and run desktop infrastructure and enable agencies to scale costs up and down according to need.

Office productivity services are software packages like email and calendar functions. Traditionally they have been delivered through applications installed on individual desktops. OPaaS will deliver these through the cloud and they will be accessed through a browser. Like Desktop as a Service, providing office productivity from the cloud enables quicker, lower cost ICT changes and upgrades.

Minister's media releases:

Government moves ahead with cloud computing strategy (30 August 2012)

Government seeks proposals for cloud computing service (13 March 2013)

Government Cloud Computing papers:

Cabinet Paper - Managing Government's Adoption of Cloud Computing

Cabinet Minute - Managing Government's Adoption of Cloud Computing CAB Min (12) 29/8A

Information has been withheld from the Cabinet paper and Cabinet Minute consistent with section 9(2)(i) of the Official Information Act 1982 (to enable a Minister of the Crown or any department or any organisation to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations including commercial and industrial negotiations).

http://beehive.govt.nz/release/government-seeks-proposals-cloud-computin...