The Secret is in the Cloud

Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently announced a newly developed "secret region" in their cloud, specifically made to host federal data up to the secret level of security classification--the second-highest level behind top secret. Amazon had previously offered only a top secret region, but this new offering now allows for any sensitive data to be stored in the commercial cloud. According to Amazon, "The U.S. Intelligence Community can now execute their missions with a common set of tools, a constant flow of the latest technology and the flexibility to rapidly scale with the mission." Microsoft Azure also has a similar offering.[Tweet "AWS newly developed "secret region" in their cloud to host federal data. #GovEventsBlog"]

The government's adoption of cloud technology started with administrative and low-risk data and applications - service workflow solutions with Salesforce, email platforms, and video conferencing. As evidenced by the work put into securing the cloud for sensitive data, commercial cloud providers see a need and profitable revenue stream with government customers.

With the ability to store the most sensitive data, cloud is a reality for every government agency. The AWS Secret Region will be available to any U.S. agency with secret-level network access and their own contract vehicles for using the AWS Secret Region.[Tweet "The AWS cloud secret region will be available to U.S. government agencies. #GovEventsBlog"]

As the use of cloud expands, we know you will want to stay on top of the latest technologies, trends, and policies. We've gathered a couple of upcoming events focused on the cloud to help you do just that.

• FCW Workshop: Innovation in the Cloud (January 23; Washington, DC) - Organized by Federal Computer Week magazine, this event draws key government leaders to share their experience in migrating to the cloud. With an eye toward ensuring the highest levels of security in the cloud, topics discussed will include automating compliance, implementing a risk-based approach to cloud, addressing the hybrid cloud environment, and network visibility. The event qualifies for 3 CPEs.
• Federal Digital Trust Symposium: Transforming Government Security (January 31; Washington DC) - While all of these technologies are converging to foster next-generation innovation within government, they also bring about a crisis of trust - Digital Trust. This event will define Digital Trust, and through numerous discussions, talk through why it is important and what public sector problems can be mitigated with it. Attendees will learn first-hand about the findings of Market Connections' latest research on Digital Trust in the Federal Government.[Tweet "The Secret is in the Cloud. A look at some of the upcoming cloud-focused events. #GovEventsBlog"]
• Cloud Foundry Summit (April 18-20; Boston, MA) -This event is organized by open source software vendor, Cloud Foundry. The Cloud Foundry Foundation is an independent non-profit organization formed to sustain the development, promotion and adoption of Cloud Foundry as the industry standard platform for cloud applications. The event brings together thought leaders and practitioners to discuss the implementation of cloud standards.
• GITEC Summit 2018 - Revolution of Solutions (April 22-24; Annapolis, MD) - The Government Information Technology Executive Council (GITEC) is a non-profit, government-led organization that provides a professional development forum for government and industry leaders to collaborate and innovate on mission critical solutions enabled through IT. This year's summit is focused on the future technologies impacting our federal and private market.
• AWS Public Sector Summit (June 19-21; Washington, DC) - This annual event brings together innovators who are changing the world with cloud computing to share their successes and lessons learned to guide wider cloud adoption in government. Speakers include government IT execs as well as commercial technology experts from numerous companies.

We'd love to hear from you. Where have you gotten the best information on cloud in government? What events are you planning on attending? Let us know in the comments.