Optimise Cloud For Public Sector Latest News

Enabled via the secure G-Cloud platform, the introduction of shared data services could not only reduce the time spent accessing and processing information, but also offers the potential for the enhanced and more accurate retrieval and update of vital patient records. At present a lack of information portability necessitates large volumes of unnecessary administration at considerable cost, and were a single unified system to be evolved – with a new set of standards to govern the sharing of data generated throughout the patient referral and discharge process – it could help to drastically reduce workloads and improve workflows without requiring wholesale change.

There are already several initiatives underway within the NHS to move from a paper based approach to administration and records keeping towards greater use of electronic device. It’s early days yet, but a combination of virtualised systems and Mobile technology is increasingly seen as the route by which clinicians can drive operational efficiencies and, consequently, significant improvements in frontline services to patients.

Again, G-Cloud represents the crucial linchpin technology that will enable this to happen in greater numbers. Given the sheer volume of data involved in the average healthcare worker’s day storing everything on a single handheld device would be impractical, and the availability of secure virtual services to maintain and distribute this information will be crucial to the successful rollout of initiatives to replace the nurse’s clipboard with smartphones and tablets.

The introduction of Cloud services to NHS trusts and hospitals across the UK is not going to immediately make the lives of staff a sweet-smelling bed of roses. However, it could and ultimately will make a significant difference to the balance of their working lives, significantly reducing the amount of man hours spent pen pushing while diverting time and energy back to the job they are there to do in the first place – providing top class clinical care to the people of Britain.

For every problem there is a solution, and when it comes to the burgeoning bureaucratic workload, a quick, practical and credible fix is already waiting in the wings. All that remains to be seen now is just how long it takes the key decision makers to realise this and make their move.

Clearly no sane institution is going to advocate that all British government data – in its entirety – should be released to the tender mercies of the private sector. National, regional and local government bodies across the UK, after all, hold a wealth of highly sensitive information on individuals and civic operational issues that can never be made public for obvious reasons.

Properly handled, however, the release of certain key datasets could provide the spark to create a new range of innovative services from private and public sector organisations. Over the last year the UK has witnessed the birth of initiatives ranging from efforts to improve patient care in the NHS to breakthrough services that make inter-agency collaboration a snap – all fuelled by shared public data – and these have given fresh hope to those who believe that, as with the US example, Britain could benefit from a new age of openness.

At the end of the day, Information Assurance isn’t solely about locking down data. It’s about understanding the information you have, what it means and how it can be safely and legitimately used. By creating clear, fit-for-purpose policies and strategies around civic data, organisations can better understand what they need to protect and what, if properly managed, could be released on a wider basis for use in private and public sector initiatives like those suggested in the US.

Only time will tell if the UK is to follow America’s lead on making public data more widely available, but what is certain is that the twin factors of established approaches to Information Assurance policy and the emergence of clearer understanding brought about by Big Data will be crucial factors in determining whether it could, or should, be possible.

If you’re attending InfoSec this year and have an opinion on this issue, why not pop round and catch us at stand N63 from 23-25 April? Experts from our Information Assurance team will be on hand to offer their insights, and would be delighted to discuss them with you.

In the cold light of day, therefore, the UK public sector has little choice but to go out into the market and ensure that they fully understand Information Assurance and it’s implications. Granted that’s a phrase likely to make the blood of any self-respecting civil servant run cold, but these skills are key to comprehending and successfully navigating the security accreditation process.

Fortunately, however, there is a relatively straightforward answer awaiting any public sector organisation interested in adopting Cloud technologies. The Pan-Government Accreditation system (which, ahem, we were the first UK provider to receive) has been designed precisely to ensure that solutions and services comply to the most rigorous security standards available.

Solutions granted Pan-Government Accreditation status have satisfied every standard and comply fully with all regulations for public sector IT. There is no need to conduct an independent review of security and if their provider has that badge of honour, public sector bodies only have to concentrate on selecting the IT they need to deliver services faster, better and more cost-effectively.

Got any questions about Information Assurance or need to know more? Why not drop by and see us for a chat about G-Cloud, security and how you can manage the accreditation process at Stand N63 at InfoSec 2013 from 23-25 April.

As the first UK provider to receive Pan-Government accreditation for our IL2 and IL3 rated SMTC platform back in August 2012, SCC has built up a wealth of expertise on this issue and is standing by to assist any company seeking a relatively painless way through the process. We now work with a range ISVs to streamline the path onto G-Cloud, and are accustomed to partnering SMEs throughout the journey.

As white paper author Karen Kennedy-Milne says in our official release:

For SMEs and innovators seeking a route into the public sector market, a clear pathway is now open. The only question remaining is when and how you begin your journey onto G-Cloud.