US Department of Defense moves to Cloud Computing - Research Paper Example

?US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MOVES TO CLOUD COMPUTING US Department of Defense moves to Cloud Computing Affiliation Table of ContentsIntroduction 4 Technology Transformation (Reasons for Cloud Services) 6 Cloud Computing Public Sector Adoption Statistics 7 US Department of Defense moves to Cloud Computing 8 Cloud Computing Support for DoD 9 Security and Privacy 10 Increased Operational Efficiencies and Reduced Costs 11 Increased Mission Effectiveness 12 Cyber-Security 12 Conclusion 13 Chandrasekaran, A., & Kapoor, M. (2010). State of Cloud Computing in the Public Sector – A Strategic analysis of the business case and overview of initiatives across Asia Pacific. Retrieved September 16, 2012, from http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/cio/232651119 14 15 Abstract Without a doubt, continues technology change and development have transformed the way people perform their tasks. In fact, modern technologies have provided countless advantages and a great deal of automation of business and corporate functions. The idea of remote working, storage, processing and communication is so old. In each era, many researchers have carried out a lot of research to discover latest technologies that can facilitate humans in their daily tasks however in this age we can see this idea as a real implementation in the form of cloud computing. Basically, cloud computing is the latest technology model offering on-demand ICT network access to more reliable and efficient information technology services and devices (for example storage, servers and a wide variety of software applications). Cloud computing technology based arrangement puts together a network of computing resources that can be accessed anywhere, being shared between its clients. In view of the fact that in the present always changing financial, political and technological landscape, IT is predictable to offer widespread and ever growing potentials by making use of minimum resources. In this scenario, by keeping in mind the growth of both cyber threats and state sponsored, the DoD (Department of Defense) has started identifying the rising significance of leading safe and powerful adoption of cyberspace. In the same way, worldwide economic events are driving the need for sustained budgetary restrictions and stricter economical oversight. Hence, the Department of Defense has to change the method and approach through which it performs its operations and manages its information technology department in an attempt to identify augmented competence, efficiency, and safety.  The US Department of Defense has decided to move to Cloud Computing. This paper outlines some of the major reasons and strategies behind the adoption of cloud computing architecture. This research will also assess some of the major causes those derived DoD to adopt cloud computing. Introduction Cloud computing technology based arrangement is currently delivering computing arrangement, software on-demand and services with the network. This technology based arrangement also presents smart benefits to the private and public sector organizations. For instance, it has the power to minimize ICT costs by virtualizing economic assets similar to disk storage and processing cycles into a voluntarily accessible, reasonable functional expenditure. Additionally, a large number of private and public sector organizations have made initial progresses with the cloud computing technology application. For instance, in US Washington, DC, all the 38,000 city administrative staff members have limitless access to Google services and documents for example Gmail. The United States General Services Administration recently publicized that they are moving the nationwide portal usa.gov to the cloud and offered an RFI for cloud technology based structure services (Craig, et al., 2009; Chandrasekaran & Kapoor, 2010). In addition, cloud computing definitely appears to be the expression du-jour in the computing world nowadays. In fact, the majority of researchers and IT experts believe that cloud computing will be turned out to be the next big technology. Consequently it should not be astonishing that in Oct-2009 a technology survey of IT administrators carried out by CIO Research, assessed that “cloud computing” was the number one area of interest among global panel of IT and decision makers (Wyld, 2010). Recently, the DoD (Department of Defense) announced that they have realized the significance of cloud computing technology and released a cloud computing policy that will improve and secure the department’s present network applications from a bulky, duplicative and expensive set of system silos to an end-state system that has state-of-the-art technology. Basically, this new cloud computing technology based structure is intended to offer more reliable services, which are designed to produce a safer, agile and cost efficient service environment that is able to speedily react to changing job requirements. In addition, the DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency) has been nominated as the corporate cloud service broker to facilitate and uphold mission guarantee and information technology based interoperability inside this new ICT strategy (U.S. Department of Defense, 2012; WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012). Moreover, the Department of Defense is now moving to a corporate cloud atmosphere that offers substantial advantages throughout the department by providing an excellent support and delivery of joint information technology based atmosphere. This new technology based arrangement will also support US for continental war-fighter at the strategic edge. Additionally, this new IT strategy will offer a foundation, as a fundamental element of the joint information environment structure, for attaining successful cloud adoption inside the US defense department. It is assessed that new cloud technology based arrangement is aimed at improving the development of department central data centers, corporate cloud structure and continuous existence of cloud services (U.S. Department of Defense, 2012; WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012). Furthermore, the US DoD is considerably dedicated to speed up the implementation of cloud computing as well as offer a protected, elastic corporate cloud atmosphere. In fact, this policy will support all the department-wide information technology competence plans those will offer a great deal of support for federal data center consolidation as well as cloud computing services. In addition, the result of this strategy will appear in the forms of mission efficacy, augmented information technology support, and improved cyber safety (U.S. Department of Defense, 2012; WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012). Technology Transformation (Reasons for Cloud Services) All through the world information technology sector was spending $3.4 trillion in year 2008, while the collective total is predictable to reduce for the first-time since year 2001 in the present year. Without doubt, all through the private sector, information technology expenditures are under fire. In point of fact, because of the consistent influences of the recession and the credit disaster, resources budgeting and credit accessibility for large size information technology projects has refused considerably. Hence, the particular areas of information technology that are rising in the wake of the financial crisis are outsourcing IT applications and services (Davis, 2009). In addition, according to International Data Corporation approximately 10% of the about $64 billion used-up on corporate software globally in the year 2008 was spent on new cloud computing software; these are being completely distributed globally on a remote basis. Additionally, the expansion rate over the subsequent few years could be as elevated as 30%, demonstrated by a number of researches approximating that the worldwide marketplace for cloud computing software and services could arrive at $42 billion at the end of year 2012. However, it is expected that in the future the scope and importance of cloud computing arrangement will be increased (Wyld, 2010; O'Gara, 2009). Figure 1 Technology Transformation Source: http://airccse.org/journal/ijwest/papers/0101w1.pdf Cloud Computing Public Sector Adoption Statistics According to estimations of International Data Corporation it is assessed that merely 23 percent of corporations all through world in the public sector are in fact making use of cloud computing. On the other hand private sector companies are making use of the 42 percent. In addition, the overall worldwide public sector cloud computing acceptance turns out to be more on the analytical stages as compared to real deployments. In fact, more than 36% of worldwide public sector respondents stated that they are presently examining the use of the technology, as seven percent stated that are making use of it to host data, eight percent outlined that they are making use of cloud computing services to a host application, and finally eight percent stated that they are using it for both purposes (Montalbano, 2011). Moreover, in the private sector, the statistics for real adoption of cloud computing were considerably greater, as those examined the implementation of applications and data in the cloud turns out to be close to the similar. Furthermore, approximately 33 percent of private sector companies acknowledged that they are presently thinking about to adopt cloud computing, as 26 percent are making use of it to host data as well as the similar percentage are making use of it for software (Montalbano, 2011). US Department of Defense moves to Cloud Computing Considering the worldwide progress and expansion in new technology based applications and systems, the US Department of Defense has decided to implement a new technology based arrangement of cloud computing. The new technology based arrangement of cloud computing is aimed at providing a great deal of security and privacy to US national services and operations. Basically, the cloud computing strategy of the US Department of Defense designs and approves methods to move the Department from the present condition of a cumbersome, duplicative, and expensive set of software services silos to an end state technology based arrangement that secure, agile and cost efficient service atmosphere that is able to quickly respond to changing mission requirement (Mele, 2012). In addition, improved mission efficiency and operational competencies are major advantages that can be attained through cloud computing arrangement. In fact, cloud computing will facilitate the department to combine as well as share commodity information technology processes which will result in a more well-organized usage of resources. Additionally, cloud computing services are able to improve war-fighter mobility throughout device and location autonomy by offering on-demand protected worldwide access to corporate mission data as well as corporate services. Moreover, the cloud computing technology based platforms and services offer greater than before prospect for fast application development and reuse of software systems obtained from other businesses (Mele, 2012). Cloud Computing Support for DoD The Department of Defense deals with a wide variety of aspects and services those need to be well secure and protected for better management of its operations. In this scenario, DoD has been facing cloud computing challenges that require cautious acceptance and concerns particularly in regions of cyber-security, stability of defense tasks and operations, resilience and information assurance (IA) (Mele, 2012). In addition, some of the additional challenges comprise service achievement and data migration, funding sustainment and administration and overcoming network reliance at the strategic edge (irregular, disconnected and low bandwidth clients). In this scenario, the US Department of Defense has assessed 4 simultaneous steps that facilitate a hierarchical accomplishment of the Enterprise Cloud Environment. Hence, to manage the above mentioned services the cloud computing has turned out to be a one of the better choices. The technology and support services of the cloud computing architecture are very much aligned with the policies of DOD operational and global terrorism fight (Mele, 2012; USDoD, 2012). Moreover, the Department of Defense Enterprise Cloud Environment is a major constituent to facilitate the Department to attain JIE objectives. In this scenario, CIO of the Department of Defense is dedicated to synchronize and accelerate efforts to get rid of needless duplication of technology based services and applications at the same time as they are also setting up enterprise safety methods to make sure protected connection as well as access control all through the mission partner and network limitations. Without doubt, the Department of Defense Enterprise Cloud Environment will ease optimizing and consolidating the Department’s IT structure, comprising data centers and network processes, as well as standardizing information technology platforms that makes sure a protected cyber atmosphere and control Agile expansion (USDoD, 2012; Mele, 2012). The Department of Defense will as well adopt business cloud computing applications to maximize the degree of potential to support the DoD’s mission. The Department’s Cloud Computing policy establishes the foundation, compatible with the Federal Cloud Computing policy, for speeding-up cloud application and adoption in the DoD arrangement. In addition, it is planned to promote a substantive discussion as the DoD changeovers to its Enterprise Cloud Environment (USDoD, 2012; Mele, 2012).    Security and Privacy The application of Cloud Computing services at the department of defense is fundamentally aimed at improving the potential privacy and security of the department’s IT services. For this purpose, agencies need to carry-on their efforts to put together effectual security and privacy procedures into the design as well as acceptance of all the innovative technologies established to the federal atmosphere, comprising applications, mobile devices and wireless communication networks, compatible with existing policies, and integrate profitable privacy and security potentials by default, expanding controls and strategies as necessary. To facilitate organizations to share department’s security testing data and stop needless duplication (WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012; Mele, 2012). In this scenario, the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will work collectively with the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) to build-up a security baseline within a year that offers standardized privacy needs for mobile and wireless technology implementation in the Federal Government. In addition, it will comprise the expansion of mobile and wireless technology based security reference arrangement that puts together safety and privacy through design as accounting for diverse agencies’ task required. For instance, the US Federal Government’s developing enterprise wireless communication and collaboration networks that can have changeable requirements to facilitate unspecified and classified high bandwidth information and data traffic. In this scenario, mission critical wireless reporting to in-building and terrestrial atmosphere data offloading. Moreover, a nationwide mobile and wireless safety baseline will facilitate implementation of the “do once, utilize that a lot of times” method to mobile and wireless security appraisal, approval and nonstop monitoring (WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012; Mele, 2012). Increased Operational Efficiencies and Reduced Costs The application of cloud computing technology at US DOD leads to a consolidating technology based systems will minimize the energy and physical footprint cost. In addition, this new technology based arrangement also leads to the less cost related to the maintenance, operational and management areas. The new technology arrangement of the cloud computing at DoD will allow them to make use of the pay as they go pricing model for offering services on demand. This is really less costly as compared to the procuring all the solutions for department operations. In addition, the new cloud computing architecture is also leveraging the existing DoD cloud computing development atmosphere to minimize software development expenses (WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012; U.S. Department of Defense, 2012). Increased Mission Effectiveness The application of cloud computing at US DoD will also provide an excellent support in the form of effective access to critical information. This technology based arrangement is also leveraging the highest accessibility and redundancy of cloud computing design to increase alternatives to disaster recovery and permanence of processes. In addition, the new cloud computing architecture is also improving the war-fighter mobility and efficiency through location and device independence, and efficiency of on-demand support of technology (WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012; U.S. Department of Defense, 2012). Cyber-Security The application of cloud computing technology has also offered a great deal of cyber security. This architecture has improved the efforts like that FedRAMP that facilitate them by streamlining and standardizing Certification and Accreditation (C&A) procedures for profitable and Federal Administration cloud suppliers. This arrangement has allowed official IT potentials to be more effectively shared all through the Department. In addition, the DoD is also offering a great deal of support for moving to simplified and standardized identity and access management (IDAM) areas. This arrangement minimizes network seams all through network and data center consolidation and accomplishment of a standardized structure (WhiteHouse, 2012; USDoD, 2012; U.S. Department of Defense, 2012).  Conclusion At the present, cloud computing is a very hot topic. Without a doubt, a large number of business organizations are adopting it. In this paper I have presented a detailed analysis of the latest technology. For this purpose, this paper has presented an overview of cloud computing arrangement. This research has offered an overview of the cloud computing technology and its implementation for the department of defense in the United States. This research has highlighted some of the fundamental aspects regarding potential application of Cloud technology and its advantages. Here I have assessed how cloud technology at the DoD will influence the corporate arrangement regarding security, privacy, cost efficiency and productivity aspects. References Chandrasekaran, A., & Kapoor, M. (2010). State of Cloud Computing in the Public Sector – A Strategic analysis of the business case and overview of initiatives across Asia Pacific. Retrieved September 16, 2012, from http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/cio/232651119 Craig, R., Frazier, J., Jacknis, N., Murphy, S., Purcell, C., Spencer, P., et al. (2009, November). Cloud Computing in the Public Sector: Public Manager’s Guide to Evaluating and Adopting Cloud Computing. Retrieved September 13, 2012, from http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac79/docs/sp/Cloud_Computing.pdf Davis, J. (2009, March 27). Gartner: Outsourced IT Services Prices Could Fall 20%. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/News/Gartner-Outsourced-IT-Services-Prices-Could-Fall-20-145259/ Mele, S. (2012, July 13). Department of Defense's Cloud Computing Strategy. Retrieved September 16, 2012, from http://www.infosecisland.com/blogview/21906-Department-of-Defenses-Cloud-Computing-Strategy.html Montalbano, E. (2011, June 02). Public Sector Slow To Adopt Cloud Computing . Retrieved September 16, 2012, from http://www.informationweek.com/government/cloud-saas/public-sector-slow-to-adopt-cloud-comput/229900072 O'Gara, M. (2009, July 31). Washington Itching To Take the Lead on Cloud Computing. Retrieved September 31, 2012, from http://govit.sys-con.com/node/1055764 U.S. Department of Defense. (2012). DOD Releases Cloud Computing Strategy; Designates DISA as the Enterprise Cloud Service Broker. Retrieved September 16, 2012, from http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=15435 USDoD. (2012, July). Cloud Computing Strategy. Retrieved September 16, 2012, from http://www.defense.gov/news/DoDCloudComputingStrategy.pdf WhiteHouse. (2012). Digital Government: Building a 21st Century Platform to Better Serve the American People. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/egov/digital-government/digital-government.html Wyld, D. C. (2010). THE CLOUDY FUTURE OF GOVERNMENT IT: CLOUD COMPUTING AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR AROUND THE WORLD. International Journal of Web & Semantic Technology (IJWesT), Volume 1 Issue 1, pp. 1-20. Read More