In the latest IDC Government Insights study, “Looking Ahead: Articulating Cloud Competencies for the Aisa/Pacific Public Sector (Doc #AP9694203S),” IDC Government Insights discussed about the trends driving the adoption of cloud technologies, whether public, private or a hybrid of both models, and the concerns over the use of cloud computing technologies in the public sector such as security, reliability and regulatory compliance.

The following observations were made:
(1) The public sector is facing increased public scrutiny and accountability demands on the IT budgets of government organizations. This paradox of cost and performance management has led governments to explore the potential of cloud technology initiatives.

(2) The traditional data center model is becoming no longer sustainable for the increasing needs of governments to be more nimble, flexible and responsive today.

(3) Many Asia/Pacific public sector organizations are still apprehensive about the adoption of cloud computing especially in agencies that handle sensitive information. Concerns over the use of cloud computing in the public sector center on issues such as security, reliability and regulatory compliance. Thus, the eventual adoption of cloud technologies for the public sector lies fundamentally on the operational requirements it seeks to address.

With most of the initiatives still at an experimental stage today, the public sector needs to determine the return on investment (ROI) and weigh the risks involved in the adoption of cloud computing technologies.

(i) What and when do you think is the tipping point for public sector agencies to fully explore and realize the benefits of cloud technologies?

(ii) What role do you think Business Intelligence and "Rights-management-as-a-service" can possibly play in boosting the adoption of cloud computing for the public sector?