Page 66 - FCW, July/August 2018

CLOUD
Transforming the
user experience through cloud
Focusing on the users unlocks more value in cloud transformations
Saša Erić
Senior Manager, Deloitte Digital
Partners in security
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program is one great example of a way to identify products that have already been qualified; however, it
is important for agencies to understand that FedRAMP is merely a starting
point for security. Operating in the cloud introduces an entirely new set of cyber risks, the management of which is a shared responsibility between the agency and
the cloud service provider. Moving to the cloud gives agencies an opportunity to not only modernize their infrastructure, but to centralize security compliance, identity management, data protection and monitoring.
Agencies should work with their
CSP(s) to determine where accountability for protecting applications and data resides, and take steps to extend agency security capabilities beyond what the CSP provides. Working with a partner versed
in the intricacies of cloud security can make this transition easier. For the most security-sensitive applications, the use of
a private cloud with a robust application stack and hosting partner can provide the same benefits as traditional SaaS offerings.
The pace of change in technology is faster than it has ever been. Inside and outside the office, cloud and other advancements are affecting our lives in new and exciting ways. Agencies can ride this wave of digital transformation by using cloud technologies to reimagine the way they engage with users.
Saša Erić is a senior manager at Deloitte Digital.
AGENCIES’ USE OF cloud technology has come a long
way since the days of the
early adopters. Now that the focus is shifting to cloud’s ability to transform operations, agencies should keep three key considerations in mind.
First, the transition to cloud is a great opportunity to improve the user experience for any system or application. Agencies that keep the user (whether a citizen, employee or partner) front and center have an opportunity to enhance engagement. That is one of the best ways to increase adoption of new cloud-based tools.
staffed with experts and use cloud platforms with integrated design systems to accelerate the design phase.
The cloud pyramid
Think of cloud types as a pyramid, with infrastructure as a service (IaaS) at the base, followed by platform as a service (PaaS) and then software as a service (SaaS) at the top. The higher up the pyramid an agency can go, the more value it will typically see from its cloud migration.
Moving a data center into the cloud might save a little money on infrastructure and generate some efficiency gains, but it misses
Moving a data center into the cloud might save a little money on infrastructure and generate some efficiency gains, but it misses out on hidden value.
Second, no single cloud technology
fits all needs so it’s likely that agencies
will have multiple solutions. As agencies deepen their understanding of how to leverage cloud, they should choose a mix
of solutions that meet their needs based on core functionality and features. Multi-cloud management is more of a standard than an exception these days.
Third, agency leaders should help employees see the benefits of cloud-based technology by allowing users to try real solutions quickly. Agencies that do this well often create a cloud center of excellence
out on hidden value. By contrast, when agencies leverage the SaaS layer, they benefit from turnkey solutions that can be proven through a prototype and scaled across the enterprise quickly.
Pairing strong SaaS and PaaS offerings with agile is a great way to transform the way users engage through applications. Agile gives agencies the ability to deliver chunks of functionality to users every couple of weeks, which is a great way to keep them engaged and interested. When users can contribute to improving a product by adding to the backlog, real value is unlocked.
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