GovCloud unveiled, cloud computing for PH government

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agencies launched recently an online service Government cloud (GovCloud) to encourage government institutions to adopt the use of cloud applications over traditional IT systems, which will enable government agencies to use secure online applications for their various computing requirements.

The two DOST agencies that initiate things are the Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI).

GovCloud was unveiled by Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) Project at the start of a four-day celebration for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Month 2013.

“With the GovCloud, agencies can maximize their resources and significantly reduce operating costs as they only use server resources when they need it, and when server load is high they can be allocated additional resources almost instantly,” DOST-ICTO Undersecretary Louis Casambre said.

The GovCloud is essentially a private cloud for the government and will be available for government agencies and their employees.

“Initially, basic cloud applications such as GovMail (government email), web hosting, and payment gateway applications will be available,” said DOST-ASTI’s Denis Villorente, iGovPhil project director.

“Project management, storage cloud, VoIP and government portal applications will be available in the near future. Custom cloud computing applications and platforms will also be available for those who need it,” he added.

According to ICTO, Several government agencies have already expressed interest in GovCloud.

“The GovCloud experience for government agencies will be significantly enhanced with the activation of the fiber core network, which will provide high-speed data connectivity to iGovPhil’s data center that hosts the GovCloud,” Casambre said.

The government fiber optic network is slated to be operational next month.