State of Michigan rolls out cloud computing services in easy to consume bites Nothing changes overnight in IT. Even organizations on the cutting edge tend to cautiously adopt new technologies. Heck, they are even doing this with Windows 7 even though we’ve all been running Windows since the early 1990s.The same holds true for Cloud Computing. Yes, cloud is the new new thing to quote Michael Lewis, and it does have the potential to radically alter the way applications are written, deployed, operated, and managed. That said, expect a slow steady migration like all other IT transitions.The State of Michigan is a great example of this mindset. Michigan is a visible leader in the transition to cloud computing and state CIO Ken Theis has been a visible public sector cloud evangelist. Michigan is also in the process of building the technology foundation for cloud computing — a new 100,000 square foot data center and a state-wide fiber network. Yet with all of this activity, the state is being extremely deliberate in its cloud computing deployment. The initial pilot is really focused on a subset of a subset of cloud computing, cloud-based storage capacity. Cloud storage is offered to local governments, Universities, and departments for non-sensitive data. The state Department of Transportation is a prime consumer of this service.Michigan wants to have 5 to 8 services running by the end of the month. Eventually it will offer many more services, compete with public sector options, and create a chargeback system to its cloud consumers. The goal? Improve automation and data sharing across the state while lowering costs. Michigan is well aware of the security holes in cloud computing today so it will stick with non-sensitive applications and data for now while it watches progress.With this plan is Michigan really a cloud visionary? I believe it is but Theis is also being prudent and patient as well. To paraphrase Alexander Pope, “fools rush in where wise men fear to tread.” Michigan may be taking its time, but it is learning lessons and gaining experience now so it can improve services and cut costs sooner rather than later. Related content analysis 5 things security pros want from XDR platforms New research shows that while extended detection and response (XDR) remains a nebulous topic, security pros know what they want from an XDR platform. By Jon Oltsik Jul 07, 2022 3 mins Intrusion Detection Software Incident Response opinion Bye-bye best-of-breed? ESG research finds that organizations are increasingly integrating security technologies and purchasing multi-product security platforms, changing the industry in the process. By Jon Oltsik Jun 14, 2022 4 mins Security Software opinion SOC modernization: 8 key considerations Organizations need SOC transformation for security efficacy and operational efficiency. Technology vendors should come to this year’s RSA Conference with clear messages and plans, not industry hyperbole. By Jon Oltsik Apr 27, 2022 6 mins RSA Conference Security Operations Center opinion 5 ways to improve security hygiene and posture management Security professionals suggest continuous controls validation, process automation, and integrating security and IT technologies. By Jon Oltsik Apr 05, 2022 4 mins Security Practices Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe