The government will cut the cost of managing its central Web portal, USA.gov, in half by adopting “cloud computing†for hosting, storage and disaster recovery services, the General Services Administration, which runs the site, announced today.
Cloud computing is the use of Internet-based technologies to allow users to access programs and other information from Web browsers or virtual servers. Virtualization of hosting and storage will give GSA the flexibility to quickly add and change functions and allow the agency to readily respond to increased demand on USA.gov. GSA has hired Terremark Worldwide to power USA.gov virtually.
By moving to a cloud computing model, “We expect to reduce our Web management costs by more than 50 percent while simultaneously building a foundation for a whole new generation of Web 2.0 and other online services to citizens,†said Martha Dorris, acting associate GSA administrator for the Office of Citizen Services and Communications.
