Cloud Computing and the Public Sector

There is increased focus on the potential that Cloud Computing can offer for the public sector in Ireland. With constant pressure on ICT budgets and the need to ensure that IT systems remain updated, there is a recognition that investing in Cloud Computing has the potential to reduce the cost and improve the quality of ICT provision in the public sector. The Government has recognised  the Cloud Computing  as a viable growth industry – and already there have been significant yields in employment and investment potential, with Ireland on track to become a hub for data centres and ICT innovation. At a PAI Conference on Cloud Computing in 2011, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation said that he expected the public sector to lead by example in embracing the potential offered by Cloud Computing

While this development is indeed welcomed it also poses many questions on how it will be achieved and what it means for the day to day management of public services. The aim of this seminar is to give delegates a broader understanding on what cloud computing is, and how the sharing of data over the internet will affect and transform IT services. What challenges will the adoption of this new technology raise around the protection of personal data and privacy? How will the traditional concerns of the public sector surrounding confidentiality, privacy and legal protocols be met?

What you will learn:

• The technology behind Cloud Computing and how this differs from current systems.
• The current application of Cloud Computing across the public and private sectors and the potential furture for growth
• The role of Cloud Computing to help deliver a connected government
• Data security and the legal issues surrounding the Cloud. Can existing legislation facilitate new arrangements in data sharing and storage
• How Cloud Computing has benefited public sector organisations that already use it.