technology guide

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Across government, agencies are looking for innovative ways to improve productivity.

With the development of cloud technology, and a host of different collaboration tools, technology now exists to instantly connect people around the globe. The use of cloud services and mobile technology has been a game changer across all sectors, allowing employees to access information when they want, and on what device they desire.

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Although employees can now connect easily across any device, new challenges have become apparent, and there are increasingly more security risks for government. Retaining security in multiple environments and decreasing vulnerabilities is critical to improve productivity for government. This section will highlight cloud computing, data center consolidation, mobile and cyber security as ways government can use technology to increase and maintain productivity.

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THEGOVLOOPGUIDE

Up in the Cloud- _________________________________________________ The Promise of Cloud _____________________________________________ Computing ______________________________ _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________

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Cloud computing continues to be one of the key trends in government. Since 2009, President Obama’s Administration has been encouraging federal agencies to adopt cloud technologies through the Federal Government’s Cloud Computing Initiative. With this initiative, the Obama Administration hopes that by leveraging cloud computing, agencies can work to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and cut costs for the federal government. With the adoption of cloud computing, government at all levels has found new efficiencies.

In May 2012, GovLoop ran a blog series that explored how government can break down silos, including the role of emerging technology, such as cloud technology. Cloud technology offers many benefits for government agencies. With more and more cloud initiatives being implemented in government, there are many related benefits to moving to a cloud-based environment.

(3) Connecting Instantly

Ten benefits of cloud technology can be found below.

(1) Ease of Sharing Information and Data

The cloud easily allows users to connect and share information across the agency. By sharing data, and resources, agencies can work collaboratively to solve cross-agency challenges.

(2) Sharing Best Practices

Just like with data, best practices and resources can easily be shared through the cloud, whether this is certain initiatives or programs that the agency has started or longstanding projects or processes.

The cloud makes it easier than ever before to connect with colleagues. The ability to instantly connect through the cloud, collaborate on documents, and share information is one of the many benefits of the cloud.

(4) Drive Improved Decision Making

By sharing data and information, decision makers will have access to the right information they need to make a decision. Some examples include agencies using the cloud to connect people in the field with decision makers back in the office. This could be extremely useful during a crisis, as decision managers could address where to send supplies and how to best provide relief at risk areas.

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(9) Achieve Cost Savings

(5) Connecting More Decision Makers

With the cloud, more decision makers can be connected and work towards collaborative solutions. Getting all the right people at the table is always a challenge, but the cloud helps mitigate some of those barriers.

(6) Increase Telework Opportunities

With cloud technology improving, the cloud provides more opportunities for teleworking. Teleworking provides many benefits to employees and organizations.

(7) Recruit Top Talent

Do not forget that technology can also be a recruitment tool. Many future workers are accustomed to using cloud technologies to collaborate on projects, they will expect to have this kind of technology at the workplace.

(8) Increase Efficiency and Productivity

With the cloud, people can be more efficient and productive by having the information they need at their fingertips, rather than searching and requesting information.

Cost savings is usually mentioned with cloud technology.

With cloud technology now available, agencies need to be smart as to how they think about cost savings. If a new cloud initiative yields a cost saving, the saved money can be redistributed back into the agency to support other initiatives.

(10) Improve Transparency

With the ability to quickly access information and share information through the cloud, agencies can improve their transparency efforts. The cloud allows people to share the right information and allow people to quickly access the information they need.

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Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP)

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FedRAMP is a governmentwide program that helps government agencies implement cloud based technology. At the core of FedRAMP is providing government officials with a standardized approach to security, authorization and monitoring of cloud-based services.

With the implementation of FedRAMP, governmentwide acquisition of cloud technology is expected to increase. With FedRAMP, cloud service providers will have to use a third party to verify the company meets basic security requirements.

FedRAMP is an extension of the Obama Administration’s “Cloud First” strategy, detailed by the memorandum released on December 8th, 2011.

FedRAMP.gov states the following program goals: —Accelerate the adoption of secure cloud solutions through reuse of assessments and authorizations —Increase confidence in security of cloud solutions —Achieve consistent security authorizations using a baseline set of agreed upon standards to be used for Cloud product approval in or outside of FedRAMP —Ensure consistent application of existing security practices —Increase confidence in security assessments —Increase automation and near real-time data for continuous monitoring FedRAMP.gov states the following program benefits: —Increases re-use of existing security assessments across agencies —Saves significant cost, time and resources – “do once, use many times” —Improves real-time security visibility —Provides a uniform

approach to risk-based management —Enhances transparency between government and cloud service providers (CSPs) —Improves the trustworthiness, reliability, consistency, and quality of the Federal security authorization process Key FedRAMP Documentation (Resource list provided from CIO.gov) — FedRAMP Security Controls - The baseline controls required for FedRAMP security assessments and authorizations.

— FedRAMP CONOPS - The FedRAMP Program Management Office’s Concept of Operations for FedRAMP — FedRAMP JAB Charter - The Joint Authorization Board’s Charter detailing roles and responsibilities and governance.

— OMB Policy Memo – OMB policy guidance on issues affecting FedRAMP — FedRAMP FAQs – provides answers to most questions about FedRAMP For questions regarding FedRAMP, please direct inquiries