Caroline Shanahan
Executive, Technology Ireland
Cloud computing allows on-demand, network-based access to shared computing resources (eg. servers, storage, applications), which can be quickly provisioned and managed with minimal effort and provider interaction.
The importance of a cloud-first vision lies in creating a more adaptable, open ecosystem with a hybrid-cloud approach.
Hybrid-cloud strategy for flexibility
By adopting a hybrid-cloud strategy and ensuring cloud adjacency to the hyperscalers, public sector organisations gain flexibility and can choose from a variety of services (ie., public, private or sovereign clouds) to better serve their end users. This approach offers a cloud strategy with the agility and flexibility to shift workloads between various cloud services. It empowers public sector organisations to establish a truly hybrid-cloud architecture to support the development of agile strategies for the digital transformation of public services.
Digital sovereignty
Public sector data requires stringent control over its use, access, security, protection, storage and dissemination, adhering to national privacy laws and governance structures. A hybrid-cloud strategy must provide the flexibility to store and run workloads while meeting rigorous controls and governance requirements, without relying on a single cloud provider.
This approach offers a cloud strategy with
the agility and flexibility to shift workloads
between various cloud services.
Data governance
Data governance is pivotal for ensuring security, compliance and effective management of data assets in any cloud strategy. Public sector organisations need autonomy to define and enforce data governance policies that meet their unique compliance requirements, enhancing data security and mitigating risks. A robust data governance strategy, especially in AI, builds trust and transparency, enabling organisations to manage and audit data confidently across hybrid-cloud environments.
Cloud use cases in Ireland
The Irish Government has already acknowledged the importance of cloud services in the National Digital Strategy and Connecting Government 2030, taking a ‘cloud first’ approach in the delivery of public services. The Programme for Government also contains extensive commitments to empower people to access online public services easily as part of an overall ambition to deliver ‘effective and modern public services’ (think digital wallets and digital passports).
From the Covid-19 tracker application, the gov.ie website, MyGovID or the AI health chatbot, Ireland already has countless cutting-edge examples of public sector cloud use cases that highlight its immense potential, providing important services in a timely and accessible manner.
Maximising cloud benefits nationally
Success will require collaboration, and with the right action, the public sector can act as a catalyst for greater change promoting opportunities for the private sector and SMEs to realise cloud benefits, enhancing Ireland’s position as a digital leader within the European Union.
