US Government joins cloud computing bandwagon

The US Government is pushing a new cloud computing campaign which could bring windfall to developers.

The US General Services Administration has launched a new service known as Apps.gov.

The online storefront allows managers from other federal agencies and US government organisations to purchase and implement cloud computing services.

The Obama Administration launched the site in hopes of lowering the cost of government IT operations. US CIO Vivek Kundra said in a posting to the official White House blog that by consolidating data to hosted services, the administration hopes to cut down on its US$75 billion annual IT expenditure.

"Like a utility such as electricity or water, cloud computing allows users to only consume what they need, to grow or shrink their use as their needs change, and to only pay for what they actually use," Kundra wrote.

"With more rapid access to innovative IT solutions, agencies can spend less time and taxpayer dollars on procedural items and focus more on using technology to achieve their missions."

The service is also receiving a warm reception from web-service vendors. Upon learning of the new program, Craigslist founder Craig Newmark said of the service "this is really big" while Google Enterpise product management director Matthew Glotzbach lauded the efforts of the White house.

"Everyone benefits from cloud computing, though few stand to benefit more than government," Glotzbach said in a blog posting.

"The cloud helps agencies at all levels increase productivity, cut costs, keep pace with technology innovation, and become more open and transparent with their citizens."