Hong Kong to launch government "cloud" this year

Cloud computing will help improve public service.

Chief Information Officer Daniel Lai has highlighted the steps Hong Kong is taking to support completion of its Government Cloud Platform, GovCloud, by the end of this year. Using cloud computing to improve public service is a key area of focus in Hong Kong’s ICT strategy, he said.

Lai said the Office of Government Chief Information Officer has formulated a cloud computing strategy, leveraging cost-effectiveness and agility of cloud technology to deliver public services in a more efficient manner. OGCIO has also established an Expert Group on Cloud Computing Services and Standards to promote adoption and development of common services, standards and best practices on cloud services.

“To facilitate the adoption of public cloud services in government, we have put in place procurement arrangements for easy acquisition of public cloud services. We have enlisted some 40 service providers to provide Government departments with over 300 cloud service options,” Lai said. Currently, five departments are using 18 services from 8 service providers.