As the federal government increasingly uses cloud computing to improve operations and services, there are several best practices agencies should keep in mind to optimize the cloud and transform offered services, according to a report released on Wednesday from the Partnership for Public Service and the IBM Center for The Business of Government…

According to the report, the VA’s work is a good example of cloud cybersecurity practices, which allow the agency to manage sensitive data at more than 100 major medical centers. Furthermore, the VA established the Application Hosting, Cloud and Edge Solutions group within its Office of Information Technology to help with collaboration by organizing its cloud administrators to deliver coordinated service. The agency also has security “baked in by design,” the authors noted.

The report also provided guidance on cloud transformation, noting the importance of equipping the people who use it. In order to help workers keep pace with technology, strategies should contain: awareness and attention to staff strengths and gaps; promotion of early adopters and skilled users to use their knowledge to lead; structured support, such as resources, training, incentives and mentorship; purposeful strategies to identify and attract tech talent; and strong change management leadership… Read the full article here.