The new digital strategy of using cloud services refers to the state where cloud services and solutions may be located off-island. Thus, it replaces the 2015 cloud policy, which introduced the goal of storing all public sector data in the data centers within Tasmania.

“Preference will be given to on-island cloud services and solutions assessed as offering equivalent value-for-money and risk profiles as off-island alternatives,” the policy states.

Under the “cloud-first, value-for-money and risk-based approach,” agencies will be expected to assess cloud services for any new or replacement of IT services and solutions going forward. “Choose cloud services in preference to other options in circumstances where the cloud services represent the best total cost of service and mitigation of risk,” the policy states.

The policy is applicable for the entire range of cloud services, which includes data center as a service, infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).

So, the new rules related to the use of “on-island” cloud services advocates an agile approach to the procurement of technology services. It is a part of the new digital strategy. The strategy helps in walking along with the upgrades of the digital industry and keep pace with the ever-changing nuances of the digital environment.

The vision is to articulate a prosperous and connected Tasmania considering the welfare of community, government, and economy.

“Growing our ICT industry, skilling our professionals, putting more services online, and equipping individuals to use those services is a massive team effort going forward,” Minister for Science and Technology Michael Ferguson said in a statement.

“On that basis, I encourage every Tasmanian, every business, and every community organization to look for ways to be involved.”

The strategy is playing multiple roles while rendering the benefit as the new programs will strengthen the skills of people and provide better connectivity in rural and regional areas. The government plans to boost digital transformation investment similarly like the government-based services, which will work in a way to manage, share, and analyze the data efficiently.

Moreover, the future might witness a “cybersecurity program that prioritizes critical asset protection across government.”