Kralik: Cloud Computing future for Gov. IT
David Kralik, director Internet Strategy for Newt Gingrich’s American Solutions, is making the rather bold suggestion that government technologists should start looking at cloud computing for new solutions for government tech. For those not familiar with the concept, Kralik offers up one of the best definitions I’ve seen:
Cloud computing has three basic characteristics: capabilities are accessed over the Internet, housed in an off-site data center, and paid for on a subscription basis. This new model delivers computing applications as a utility, similar to electricity or telephone service. Many applications including e-mail, office document productivity, data storage, and customer databases are moving in this direction because of the opportunity to eliminate the need to buy, maintain, or upgrade information technology systems. But sadly, outdated bureaucratic rules and regulations prevent the federal government from fully being able to embrace and reap the benefits of this technology.
To put it even more simply, think of email. If Microsoft Outlook is the old way, Gmail is the cloud computing way. Microsoft Word=Old; Google Docs=Cloud. Essentially, any sort of application that used to require its own software but can now be accessed via the web.
Kralik points out, as usual, government IT types are grandstanding by citing security and privacy privilege. However, Kralich points out that the old way is perhaps even more troublesome when it comes to privacy, citing last year’s case when 26 million veterans found their personal data compromised when a laptop was stolen.
In summary:
The move from mainframe computing to microprocessor was a major transformational change in information technology, as was the transition from punch cards to software and the invention of the Internet. A fourth major transformational shift is occurring right now as software is replaced with “software as a service,” which can significantly improve government operations, lower cost, and move government into the 21st century. As we begin a new session of Congress and new presidential administration, it’s time to give this technology serious consideration.
As the single largest purchaser of information technology, government could benefit from this if only it would get its head out of the sand and into the clouds.
Now just imagine what could be done if county government switched to cloud computing?
