Unisys launches cloud migration service
Connecting state and local government leaders
CloudForte's subscription-based services and professional guidance can help agencies move to the Amazon Web Services cloud.
When government agencies move to the cloud, the new environment can pose challenges related to optimizing resources, managing day-to-day cloud operations, gaining visibility across hybrid infrastructures and keeping control of expenses.
At the AWS Public Sector Summit, Unisys launched CloudForte, a comprehensive set of services designed to help federal agencies move to the for Amazon Web Services cloud.
“CloudForte is designed to help agencies comply with mandates such as the President’s Management Agenda,” Peter O’Donoghue, vice president of application services at Unisys Federal, told GCN. “We see huge swaths of government that are not going to get the same level of support and coaching that the USDA is getting from the GSA.”
The General Services Administration's IT Modernization Centers of Excellence are working with The Department of Agriculture to help it with cloud adoption. The CoE will analyze current systems and applications and provide cloud migration planning recommendations, including balancing tactical “lift and shift” imperatives with more strategic “fix and shift” possibilities.
As an AWS Managed Service Provider, Unisys is accredited to help agencies shift their workloads and systems to the AWS cloud. CloudForte eases the transition by providing guidance on cloud adoption, security and modernization of legacy applications.
The service features four subscription-based "management and governance bundles" that give agencies access to transparent metering and invoicing as well as full control and monitoring of integrated infrastructure and platform offerings. It also includes plans that speed the migration of legacy workloads and assist with security accreditations. To help agencies prepare their workforces for a cloud-based environment, CloudForte features robust training options and change management plans.
The new service will help agencies concerned over moving to an operational expenditure model where new software-as-a-service offerings are constantly being added and changed on AWS.
“Public cloud can be difficult for agencies because of the sheer volume of services and service-line items that AWS is offering,” O’Donoghue said. “We can help contracting officers manage the tens of thousands of line items that change when new AWS services are added or prices are dropped.”