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virtualized compute resources similar to those you might find in a data center – is also becoming more popular across government. Nearly three-quarters of federal respondents say they expect its use to increase over the next two years, according to one report. Part of the reason for this growth is the shuttering of data centers and the increase in volume data for most IT enterprises, which reduces the amount of physical space agencies have.
are many ways to use these leading-
edge capabilities to improve outcomes. Predictive analytics is a way of analyzing past data to predict future outcomes, often by using AI or machine learning. Agencies are using predictive analytics in everything from more proactive compute and cybersecurity protection to maintenance of vehicles and buildings.
The right tools for the job
Storage and infrastructure in the cloud also are ideal for situations where demand spikes during certain events or times of
These capabilities, combined with the processing power and scalability offered by the cloud, are enabling agencies to accomplish things that a few years ago would have been unimaginable. One agency, for example, is using machine
Determining fit requires a keen understanding of the agency’s current IT infrastructure, applications and data sets, along with mission priorities and challenges. One of the best ways to gain that understanding is by consulting with an experienced federal partner.
GSA IT Schedule 70 – Cloud Services Help Agencies Modernize
In response to increased demand for cloud services, GSA includes a Special Item Number (SIN) dedicated to cloud, which includes Email
as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service and Software as a Service. All products and services on GSA IT Schedule 70 comply with relevant NIST security requirements. Many are FedRAMP authorized. CDW·G is one of the top GSA schedule holders, offering a large variety of cloud products, including Microsoft Azure and Adobe Acrobat.
year. An agency that requires citizens
or other agencies to provide it with information at a specific time may need additional storage or infrastructure capacity during those times. The cloud model makes it simple to spin up additional capacity when needed and reduce it after the spike.
learning and data analytics to help manage its regulatory data. Another is using AI technology to accurately route calls from multiple call centers. A third agency is working on a project to consolidate and analyze intelligence data from multiple sources.
“Migrating from on-premises environments to the cloud doesn’t happen fast because you have to plan and phase every aspect to ensure our customers’ mission objectives are met. But if it’s done right, the benefits are worth the effort.”
The key to an effective cloud migration is knowing what should be moved to
the cloud and what should stay on- premises. For workloads that make sense in the cloud, a successful migration also involves understanding which type of cloud scenario is the best fit.
After taking the time to understand the agency’s current environment and future goals, the partner will determine the most effective and cost-efficient path forward. That includes developing a prioritized approach that lays out
the order in which different workloads will be migrated to the cloud. Ideally, the partner will pilot a few workloads to understand the benefits of each capability. After a successful pilot, it is time for full implementation.
In addition to migrating workloads, agencies may choose to use a partner to monitor and manage those workloads over the long term. This includes defining and measuring metrics most important to the agency, such as cost, performance, security and timeliness.
Be prepared for a long journey. This transformation not only includes cloud technologies but the people, processes, governance and policies that also need to evolve to meet our federal customers’ mission priorities in this ever-changing environment, Lakhia says.
While software, storage and infrastructure can be great fits for cloud capabilities, it is the next-generation technologies and capabilities – analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence – that have the most promise. There
“It’s all about making data-driven decisions that drive mission priorities,” Lakhia says. “We have seen so many ‘aha’ moments when agencies realize how these technologies can improve user experience, compliance, efficiency, accuracy, performance and programmatic decisions.”
For more information, visit
CDWG.com/cloud