Cloud services play an important role in accelerating digital transformation and delivering significant social services. During the COVID-19 epidemic, cloud resources proved to be a lifesaver in Rwanda when a severe shortage of health care workers was resolved through intelligence surveillance (AI) testing using an advanced cloud-based system. The app monitored patients using AI signals and monitored them during recovery, freeing health workers to support other people as needed. AI also facilitated real-time language processing so that patients could speak their native language, Kinyarwanda. Sensitive medical records shared by this application are protected by online security and data protection measures.
The deep AI and security requirements used for projects like this in Rwanda are very expensive and technologically complex to manage a single local cloud provider. Instead, the work must be shared between two cloud providers in an ever-expanding hybrid-cloud solution that solves such challenges that would otherwise be impossible. In this case, one cloud handles basic digital services that include personal information and health information collected from patients, while the public cloud service provider carries a heavy load that includes AI applications that require a lot of processing power.
The turning to cheap cloud solutions made great sense in this case, given the shortage of skilled health workers needed to meet the needs of the community, as well as the environmental system that allows for the adoption of this hybrid-cloud solution.
Cloud-based data management options
In order to achieve the next phase of digital transformation and to enable countries to reap the benefits of a digital economy, governments must prioritize the adoption of cloud services where possible. Cloud technology offers cost savings, the ability to grow faster, access to advanced cybersecurity features and greater data processing using AI. In addition, the improved capacity of cloud-based business applications can facilitate e-Government forums and services, as shown in the Rwandan case.
Additionally, there are a growing number of Software business applications such as Service (SaaS) that are delivered through the cloud to address specific public sector challenges, such as invoices, citizen interaction, and management of registration data. Cloud solutions can continue to support governments with cloud-based support systems to enable a layer of re-operation in the event of a system crash, and to ensure continuity of service.
To achieve these benefits, governments in developed countries have long since stopped relying on ancient IT systems to use cloud-based solutions to manage their data, and increasingly, use public cloud services delivered over shared multidisciplinary infrastructure. In contrast, governments in developing countries generally maintain or expand legacy IT systems, limiting cost savings and improved performance that can be achieved by cloud services.
Leading countries with cloud policies
The United Kingdom government has adopted a “Cloud First” policy, in which organizations must first consider and evaluate cloud-based solutions before looking for alternatives when integrating technology and public services. British services are empowered to choose a cloud solution that best suits their needs based on security, flexibility, and value for money.
Singapore took a different approach, in which the government created a secret cloud for the government, the “G-cloud,” to meet the needs of security and governance, paving the way for mixed solutions where public and private cloud solutions could work together. Various Singapore services can choose the right solutions if the public cloud or G-cloud does not meet their needs.
While public services in all highly developed digital countries are increasingly incorporating hybrid cloud solutions, the combination of public and private cloud purchases in any country will determine government objectives, operational requirements, data separation systems, and data management policies and regulations. To help navigate the available cloud options, a three-step framework that focuses on policy objectives, strategic objectives, and operational requirements can help governments identify the best solution.
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