Government to save millions with cloud, report confirms
Government to save millions with cloud, report confirms
The government expects to save millions of pounds by increasing its use of cloud computing, a recent paper has revealed.
Earlier this year, the coalition released its technology strategy for the next few years, explaining that it plans to substantially lower costs. Now, with the publication of its ICT Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), it has confirmed the key areas that are to deliver these savings.
Cloud computing is due to play a major role in the cost cutting exercise. In fact, shifting services to the cloud and the Government Application Store is expected to net savings of around £180 million over the next four years.
Data centre consolidation is also set to contribute, with savings of around £160 million predicted, while reducing the cost of procuring devices will cut expenses by £60 million. But the creation of the public services network is estimated to account for the lion's share of the savings, reducing expenditure by around £390 million.
The move towards cloud computing is set to be a gradual one, with just 50 accredited products due to be allocated to the Government Application Store by the end of the year. But the SIP target for December 2015 is to send around 50 per cent of central government ICT spend through cloud services.
Francis Maude, Cabinet Office minister, confirmed that the SIP will provide a detailed breakdown of the planned ICT reforms. He added: “Government ICT drives the delivery of public services, from government web services for the submission of tax returns to enabling our armed forces to operate in Afghanistan.
“This government is committed to delivering a better service to the taxpayer on government ICT projects.”
Businesses can also make substantial savings on their ICT costs by looking into the uses of cloud computing.
Those looking to move services into the cloud, should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.
