A successful deployment requires a forward-thinking, agency-wide strategy that prepares for future changes while also ensuring performance and ability to deliver on the mission.
Fairfax, VA (PRWEB) March 02, 2015
A cloud computing study from Market Connections, Inc. reveals one-third of federal government organizations have migrated applications to the cloud, and one-third are researching or considering their cloud computing options. The survey shows more than half of respondents (53%) cite decreasing IT operating and infrastructure costs as the top drivers of cloud adoption, and nearly six in 10 respondents (59%) agree the migration to cloud-based services results in lower capital expenses compared to in-house deployment of infrastructure.
About two-thirds (64%) of participants name secure infrastructure as a top benefit of cloud computing, while one-third (31%) identify improved security as a key driver of adoption. At the same time, security also represents a top perceived risk, with 69% expressing concern about data leaks or unauthorized data access and 65% naming potential security defects as a concern.
Market Connections conducted the survey on behalf of General Dynamics Information Technology. Damian Whitham, General Dynamics Information Technology senior director of cloud computing solutions, said, “Less than one-third of survey respondents were concerned about performance-based issues, but these areas pose enormous risks to budgets and productivity. When considering a migration to cloud services, agencies need to examine overall impact on performance and the end user’s experience, such as application migration, data segregation, vendor lock-in and maturity of the technology.”
With concerns regarding security and data loss masking the bigger potential issue of performance in the cloud, Market Connections and General Dynamics Information Technology have developed a new video that highlights research findings and outlines four keys to successful federal cloud migrations:
1. Address performance issues by bringing in a partner provider that can keep performance stable while managing migrations.
2. Adopt a flexible cloud strategy that can respond to current and future requirements.
3. Work with an experienced cloud provider that has knowledge of multiple environments to mitigate risk.
4. Avoid vendor lock-in to minimize impact on performance and budget.
“Many of the unanticipated issues of cloud services revolve around performance and vendor lock-in,” Whitham said. “A successful deployment requires a forward-thinking, agency-wide strategy that prepares for future changes while also ensuring performance and ability to deliver on the mission.”
About the Study
Leading government market research firm Market Connections, Inc. conducted the blind study of 150 federal government IT decision makers and influencers in April 2014 on behalf of General Dynamics Information Technology. Respondents represent civilian (54%), defense (32%), and legislative (11%) agencies, are knowledgeable about their organization’s cloud-related initiatives and are involved in IT decision-making and recommendations. View the summary report and infographics on Slideshare.
About Market Connections, Inc.
Market Connections delivers actionable intelligence and insights that enable improved business performance and positioning for leading businesses, trade associations and the public sector. The custom market research firm is a sought-after authority on preferences, perceptions and trends among the public sector and the contractors who serve them, offering deep domain expertise in information technology and telecommunications; healthcare; and education. For more information, click here.