IBM, California Department of Technology Unveil Cloud-based Service

IBM (IBM) and the California Department of Technology have announced CalCloud, a new technology model powered by cloud computing to build and deliver innovative government services and savings.

CalCloud allows California’s government agencies to share a common pool of computing resources and receive immediate access to back-end services.

Cloud computing enables convenient, on-demand access to shared, configurable resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released quickly and easily, according to the California Department of Technology.

“The CalCloud system is really going to give control of the IT system back to customers,” Ron Hughes, the California Department of Technology’s chief deputy director of operations, said in a prepared statement. “[Customers] are going to be able to scale back up or down to meet workload requirements, they’re going to have much more flexibility to respond to customer demand and much more ability to do it in a timely manner.”

Four CalCloud base server packages are available, and once a package is selected, users can add features such as:

The CalCloud system also offers a user-facing portal that allows government agencies to customize their servers.

“[This system] is an opportunity for the State of California and IBM to really evolve our relationship and partnership,” said Kim Hewitt, client director of IBM’s California integrated account. “We’ve had a very long and storied history together, but this is a very different business model for us … It’s a terrific opportunity for us to create a transformative service delivery channel for California.”

CalCloud is the first system of its kind to be implemented in the United States at the state level. It is now available to California municipalities and all state and local government agencies on a subscription basis.

“California is setting an example for other states on how to use cloud technology to improve coordination across agencies and municipalities while reducing the barriers and duplication that can impede the delivery of government services,” said Erich Clementi, senior vice president of IBM’s Global Technology Services.

What does CalCloud mean for other government agencies?

Clementi said he believes CalCloud will transform how the State of California delivers technology services, and other states could follow the Golden State’s example and deploy similar systems in the future.

IBM noted more than 20 state departments have already requested IT services through CalCloud, and this total could rise if more government agencies decide to implement cloud applications and services.

“CalCloud is an important step towards providing faster and more cost-effective IT services to California state departments and ultimately to the citizens of California,” said Marybel Batjer, secretary of the California Government Operations Agency.

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is an important consideration for government agencies too.

A recent MeriTalk survey of federal IT professionals showed 41 percent of respondents said they were more likely to consider and select a hybrid, community or public cloud solution because of FedRAMP.

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