Definition
The Australian Government has adopted the US Government's National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) definition of cloud.
Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
Whole-of-government applicability
The Data and digital government strategy sets a vision for 2030 to deliver simple, secure and connected public services for all people and business, through world class data and digital capabilities.
The capability of Cloud Computing will be key to the Strategy's mission of 'Simple and seamless services'. Under this mission, the outcome to 'deploy scalable and secure architecture' guides the APS to:
- develop interoperable platforms and use standards to unlock opportunities for data sharing, integration, collaboration and reuse cross the APS
- develop flexible and resilient systems and services, supported through suitable adoption of cloud infrastructure.