After HP and Lockheed Martin both issued cloud security authorizations by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), a dispute between Amazon Web services and IBM came about over a CIA cloud infrastructure contract. In addition to this, the recent release of Dell’s Cloud for U.S. Government makes it plain to see that the future of computing lies in the cloud.
In recent weeks, there has been a great deal of press surrounding a government-wide migration from traditional infrastructure to a cloud based infrastructure system. What makes cloud computing such an attractive option for the government, and can it work for your agency? For the government and many businesses, cloud computing creates an appealing option because it allows for nearly infinite storage and computing power without the hassle that comes with physical upkeep and ownership. Essentially, it is an extremely cost effective option that helps save money spent on maintenance and ownership, without sacrificing computing power. With the current trend skewing in favor of cloud computing, it may be advisable to take a look at your own IT system and see if this system can work for you too.
Government entities, including FedRAMP, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), have addressed security concerns regarding the cloud. FedRAMP issues security authorization to providers, such as Amazon Web Services, HP and Lockheed Martin and NIST recently created, “security architecture” for cloud systems. Although it is ultimately up to individual agencies to implement additional security controls, cloud computing can be a secure option for both business and government organizations.
Winvale supports your FISMA and FedRAMP requirements by simplifying the process of auditing, documenting, and validating compliance with NIST’s 800 Series Standards and Guidelines. Contact us for assistance or questions!
