Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, is responsible for overseeing the National Strategy for Cloud Computing outlining the ways in which the cloud could be used to boost Australia’s digital economy. "Cloud computing is fundamentally changing the way we think about technology — it allows software and data storage to be delivered online and be consumed as services, on demand, across your computer, tablet and smart phone," Senator Conroy said.
Conroy’s strategy is designed to promote the use of cloud computing in small businesses and government agencies, and by individual, claiming that "cloud computing gives us the anywhere, anytime technology that will help Australia to foster innovation and boost productivity.”
The National Strategy for Cloud Computing sets goals for government innovation, education, and evaluation in regards to the use of cloud computing in government agencies, including information sharing initiatives to help these agencies learn from each other. This process will ideally assist government agencies in promoting the use of this technology on a grander scale in Australian businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and homes.
In addition to this, the published strategy indicated the government’s dedication to the development of a skilled branch of ICT professionals. These professionals will be trained to work with and in the cloud as a part of the process of presenting Australia as a global presence in data storage and processing.
The full National Strategy for Cloud Computing can be found at: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/163844/2013-292_National_Cloud_Computing_Strategy_Accessible_FA.pd