DATA CENTER CONSOLIDATION: Agencies Need to Complete Inventories and Plans to Achieve Expected Savings
Abstract
Over time, the federal governments demand for information technology has led to a dramatic rise in the number of federal data centers and an increase in operational costs. Recognizing this increase, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has launched a government-wide initiative to consolidate data centers. GAO was asked to (1) assess whether agency consolidation documents include adequate detail for agencies to consolidate their centers, (2) identify the key consolidation challenges reported by agencies, and (3) evaluate whether lessons learned during state government consolidation efforts could be leveraged at the federal level. To address these objectives, GAO assessed the completeness of agency inventories and plans, interviewed agencies about their challenges, and evaluated the applicability of states consolidation lessons to federal challenges. GAO is recommending that the Federal Chief Information Officer, department secretaries, and agency heads take steps to ensure that agency data center inventories and consolidation plans are complete. Most agencies agreed with GAOs recommendations. Defense and SSA did not agree to complete all missing elements of their inventories and plans. Based on OMB guidance on the importance of these elements, GAO maintains these recommendations to be reasonable and appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1174897
Entities
People
- Colleen Phillips
- Dave Hinchman
- Jessica Waselkow
- Joel C. Willemssen
- Linda Kochersberger
- Nancy Glover
- Neil Doherty
- Rebecca Eyler
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office