Cloud Computing: Agencies Need to Incorporate Key Practices to Ensure Effective Performance
Abstract
Cloud computing is a means for delivering computing services via IT networks. When executed effectively, cloud-based services can allow agencies to pay for only the IT services used, thus paying less for more services. An important element of acquiring cloud services is a service level agreement that specifies, among other things, what services a cloud provider is to perform and at what level. GAO was asked to examine federal agencies' use of SLAs. GAO's objectives were to (1) identify key practices in cloud computing SLAs and (2) determine the extent to which federal agencies have incorporated such practices into their SLAs. GAO analyzed research, studies, and guidance developed by federal and private entities to develop a list of key practices to be included in SLAs. GAO validated its list with the entities, including OMB, and analyzed 21 cloud service contracts and related documentation of five agencies (with the largest fiscal year 2015 IT budgets) against the key practices to identify any variances, their causes, and impacts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1152199
Entities
People
- Andrew Stavisky
- David A. Powner
- Gary Mountjoy
- Gerard Aflague
- Karl Seifert
- Lori Martinez
- Nancy Glover
- Scott Borne
- Tarunkant Mithani
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office