Anticipated cloud computing required to meet Australian Procurement Guidelines

The Australian Government has last week released its cloud computing strategy which will require agencies adopting cloud computing to comply with Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines.

The strategy has developed a principles and risk-based pathway for agencies to rationalise their ICT asset base and to adopt cloud computing where appropriate.

The paper also estimated that AU$4.3 billion was spent on ICT per annum but questions regarding how much of it was spent on cloud technology were unanswered.

Questions on how CLIC can support agencies in the facilitation of effective outcomes for government also went unanswered.

Currently, some Australian agencies like the Australian Taxation Office, Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship have already commenced small pilots and proof of concept to “evaluate the potential of application, platform and infrastructure of cloud computing”.

Glenn Archer , First Assistant Secretary Policy and Planning, from the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO)  said that with regard to value for money and adequate security, agencies adopting cloud computing are required to comply with the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines and also the Protective Security Policy Framework.

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