GSA Launches Online Hub to Make Cloud Adoption Easier
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The Cloud Information Center will serve as a one-stop shop for agency looking to expand their use of the tech.
The General Services Administration on Thursday launched an online platform that will serve as a one-stop shop for agencies looking to move more of their operations to the cloud.
Through the Cloud Information Center, GSA officials aim to give agencies easy access to the resources they need to expand their use of cloud services. The site could ultimately help speed up agencies’ adoption of the tech, which holds the potential to cut costs, increase efficiency and pave the way for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
“Getting agencies to the cloud is a high priority for GSA, and we’re committed to making sure they have the right tools and support to navigate the complex world of cloud acquisition,” Bill Zielinski, GSA’s acting assistant commissioner for the IT category, said in a statement. “We’re developing the Cloud Information Center as a one-stop shop for cloud resources so agencies can easily access the information they need to transition to the cloud.”
The Office of Management and Budget has long pushed agencies to move more of their tech to the cloud, but so far progress has been limited. Only about 11 percent of federal IT systems run in the cloud, and enthusiasm varies widely by agency.
But by compiling the government’s full suite of cloud resources in one spot, the new center could help agencies overcome some of the biggest challenges inherent in cloud adoption, like cybersecurity, procurement and workforce reskilling, GSA said.
Using the platform, agencies can access GSA market research tools, review acquisition strategies and best practices, and connect with feds pursuing similar projects at other organizations. GSA also plans to soon stand up forums where cloud vendors can discuss their tech’s capabilities with potential government buyers.
“It’s important to work with our industry partners to help translate the value proposition of the cloud as it relates to agency operations and missions," said Bob DeLuca, executive director of the GSA’s Centers of Excellence program, which focuses in part on driving agency cloud adoption. ““The Cloud Information Center will be a valuable resource for helping agencies make informed decisions as they transition to the cloud.”