David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is engaged in research and conducting trials to determine appropriate cloud computing approaches for public service data and applications; if he will provide details of the companies, indigenous small and medium enterprises, multinationals and so on with whom he is working for research and trial purposes of examining commercial models; the way these companies are selected; when he expects this research to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26529/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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My Department views Cloud Computing as a major shift in the provision of ICT infrastructure, systems and services. Consequently, over time, it expects Cloud Computing to be a key part of the strategic future of ICT in the public service.

To that end, my Department has been engaged in a programme of research with a very wide variety of ICT companies of all types and nature. This research does not involve expenditure with any company. In addition, my Department is carefully examining the strategic approaches being adopted in other jurisdictions and is participating in the deliberations of the Cloud Computing Implementation Group established by my colleague Minister Bruton. This group is also engaging with industry to determine appropriate responses to a range of matters.

As with all major ICT shifts, any move to Cloud Computing will occur over time as markets and technologies mature and opportunities that provide value arise. Accordingly, research in this area will be continuous rather than an event. In this context, my officials are willing to engage with any company/individual that feels it can make a contribution of value to this research. The aim is to learn enough of the market, its solutions and approaches, to determine an appropriate strategic direction for the public service. In this respect, my officials hope to produce a Cloud Computing Strategy over the coming months. My officials also hope to develop an initial market exercise for the provision of "Infrastructure As A Service" with a view to implementing infrastructure services for use by all public bodies in a Government Community Cloud context. This of course will be dependent on the market responding with appropriate solutions offering best value for money, and opportunities for standardising and streamlining the provision of ICT infrastructure.