Karen Evans, the former Administrator for e-Gov at the Office of Management and Budget, announced SafeGov.org, a new online forum that brings government technology experts together to discuss best practices for cloud computing and security.
Inaugural contributors to the site include former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Cavitas Group CEO David Howe.
“Government agencies are being tasked with making important and difficult decisions about switching over to a cloud-based solution, and SafeGov.org will provide them with a credible and comprehensive resource on best practices in order to minimize potential risks associated with the transition,” Evans said.
The Office of Management and Budget has said that of the $80 billion currently spent on federal IT, a fourth will likely be dedicated towards a cloud-based solution in budget planning for 2012, according to the site. Government agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, Defense, Veterans Affairs and Transportation believe they could save over $2 billion each by transitioning to cloud-based solutions, the site said.