THE GOVERNMENT HAS been urged to move its email to an externally hosted Gmail-type system, in a move which it’s claimed could save €10million over five years.
Senator Catherine Noone said if Ireland wanted to become a world leader in cloud computing, politicians should show the way by using cloud-based solutions for Oireachtas and council email services.
The savings would come in decreased overheads and increased flexibility, she said.
I really think we need to fully embrace the idea that we want to become a global leader in cloud computing. The best way to lead is to lead by example; why not begin hosting Government applications, such as email for the Oireachtas and Councils, in the cloud?
She suggested that a company like Google could be contracted to provide Gmail-type systems for the Government. A number of businesses and universities, including Trinity College Dublin, already use the Gmail platform.
“Google have done this for Governments before,” Senator Noone said. “Denmark has converted to cloud computing and saved 70 per cent from its Government IT budget in doing so. Why not us?”
She added that a partnership with Google would be a “win-win” situation.
Google Ireland declined to comment when contacted by TheJournal.ie.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say