Australia's National cloud computing strategy

Compilation: Center for international Economic and Technical cooperation, Ministry of Industry and Information technology

Summary

October 5, 2012, the Australian prime Minister announced that the government will develop a national cloud computing strategy. The news not only clarified the synergy between national broadband networks (NBN) and cloud computing, but also underscored the important role that Governments play in providing the tools they need for small businesses, individuals and government agencies to achieve cloud computing commitments. The strategy, which is done by government, industry and consumer groups, outlines the vision for Australia's cloud computing industry: Australia will create and use world-class cloud services to drive innovation and productivity in the digital economy.

Using cloud services can often help organizations improve efficiency, drive innovation, and operate more flexibly. At the national level, Australia has reasons to take advantage of cloud computing, including a stable socio-economic system, a strong legal system and a highly diverse and sophisticated ICT sector.

At the individual level, many institutions that have implemented innovative cloud computing services have changed the way they operate. On the whole, however, Australian small businesses and non-profit organizations are significantly behind other OECD countries in using online technology. These companies and organizations are at a disadvantage in the competition, but they can catch up by using cloud computing services.

One important reason for this is the lack of infrastructure needed to support advanced cloud computing services, such as the relatively slow speed of many parts of Australia, which limits the spread of cloud services. The national broadband network is changing the situation and becoming a key catalyst for the development of the digital economy. There are other reasons why Australia's cloud computing is blocked, including inadequate understanding of how best to use cloud computing and the lack of confidence in some institutions and individuals when using cloud computing services.

The strategy identifies three core goals and a series of action plans to achieve the government's vision. However, with the development of the cloud services market, users and cloud service providers must keep up with the times. Similarly, the Government will adjust the strategy according to market and technology changes.

(i) Maximizing the value of cloud computing in government

1. Objective: The Australian government will be the leader in cloud service use, improve efficiency, gain more value from ICT investment, provide better services and build a more flexible public sector.

2. Main actions:

(1) The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) will strengthen guidance on how government policymakers can assess the benefits of cloud services and how to purchase and manage cloud services.

(2) Agimo will work together with the Department of Broadband, Communications and Digital Economics (DBCDE) to establish information-sharing mechanisms to enable government agencies to learn from each other through case studies and exchange of practical experiences, and to promote continuous improvement.

(3) The Ministry of Finance (DOFD) will strengthen the procurement process to ensure that public cloud services are taken into account by government agencies in undertaking new ICT purchases.

(4) Government agencies will gradually transfer public-oriented Web sites to public cloud services according to the renewal cycle, which is the highest value of cloud services.

(5) At the end of 2013, the government will issue a business case to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of providing cloud services to Australian government agencies in a more focused manner.

(ii) Promotion of cloud computing to small businesses, non-profit organizations and consumers

1, the goal: small Australian enterprises, non-profit organizations and consumers will be required to secure, and use the cloud services that give them full confidence.

2. Main actions:

(1) DBCDE will collaborate with the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, climate change, scientific research and higher Education (DIICCSRTE) in the following actions:

To work with intermediary organizations and industry associations to promote informed decision-making on cloud computing and to provide customized information based on industry needs;

Provide more online information on how to use cloud services for small businesses and non-profit organizations;

Strengthen existing successful projects such as digital enterprise, enterprise connectivity, technology and knowledge connectivity, digital government and Small business advisory services projects.

(2) The Australian Computer Association will work with the Australian Cloud Computing National Committee (NSCCC), the Australian Information Industry Association, and other government departments and industry stakeholders to develop spontaneous cloud computing consumer agreements, encourage cloud service providers to disclose information and provide consumers with the latest information on cloud services in a timely manner.

(3) DBCDE and Oaic will launch guidance on new privacy reform in cloud services, which is scheduled to start in March 2014.

(iii) supporting vibrant cloud services

1, the goal: through the following three major support factors, Australia will build a vibrant cloud computing industry. The three main support factors are:

-skilled and have a certain degree of understanding of cloud computing in the ICT labour market, they can create and adopt cloud services;

Effective competition in the field of cloud services;

Establish a regulatory environment that supports development, promotes innovation and protects users.

2. Main actions:

(1) The Government will continue to work closely with the industry and tertiary institutions to ensure the development of a group of skilled and knowledgeable ICT professionals;

(2) The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) will work with the industry to create a trustworthy data storage and processing centre to encourage foreign investment;

(3) DBCDE will continue to identify specific cloud computing problems and their opportunities and challenges through NSCCC.

(Responsible editor: The good of the Legacy)