Transforming Government through Cloud Computing
WASHINGTON (June 28, 2013) - As policymakers consider approaches for transforming the way the federal government acquires and utilizes information technology (IT), emerging cloud computing and data analytics innovations will be key options for cutting costs and improving overall government service. However, the complexity of the federal enterprise combined with concerns around data security and privacy are creating numerous challenges as this transition commences.
To better analyze the potential of these technologies and propose solutions to the challenges we face, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) is hosting a panel discussion which will include Members of Congress, federal agency Chief Information Officers (CIO) and leading industry IT executives. Using Cloud Computing to Build (Better and Cheaper) Next-Generation Government Services will be held from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, July 10 in the Capital Visitor's Center, Rm. 209-08.
The event will feature opening remarks from Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) and Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11).
"With the proper management and a robust and well-trained workforce, information technology offers government an important tool that can help us achieve better results for less money," says Senator Carper, who serves as Chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. "It is important that Congress continues to work with the Administration to cultivate an environment in which innovative and cost-effective technologies and IT solutions are being deployed throughout the entire federal government."
ITIF President Rob Atkinson will also lead a panel discussion of federal CIOs and industry executives who will discuss opportunities to leverage utility computing and big data analytics in the cloud and other novel technology practices. They will also present best practices and lessons learned that can be applied to the legislative, policy and acquisition processes that shape federal IT. Government participants include Terry Halvorsen, CIO of the Department of the Navy, Frank Baitman, CIO of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Joseph Klimavicz, CIO of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Industry speakers include Kyle Keller, Cloud Business Director, EMC Federal, David Robinson, Chief Innovation Officer, SAP Public Sector, and Matt Wood, General Manager of Data Science, Amazon Web Services.
"Information technology is changing rapidly and the unique complexities of government require significant planning and forward thinking to properly take advantage of innovations like cloud computing and data analytics," notes Atkinson. "Through this discussion we hope to assist the government in better utilizing technology to improve the performance of a wide range of operations while also lowering costs to the American taxpayer."
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The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute focusing on the intersection of technological innovation and public policy. Recognized by its peers in the think tank community as the global center of excellence for science and technology policy, ITIF’s mission is to formulate and promote policy solutions that accelerate innovation and boost productivity to spur growth, opportunity, and progress.
