Government IT in the clouds

As the Obama administration considers its government IT plans and how to save money, it may want to consider using more open-source software, cloud computing and virtualization, a recent study suggests.

Over three years, the potential savings would be $3.7 billion for using open-source software; $13.3 billion for using virtualization technologies; and $6.6 billion from cloud computing or Software as a Service, said a study published by MeriTalk, an online community focusing IT and public policy.

"After years of boosted funding, federal IT managers are facing a new challenge--the budget crunch," the study said. "With a grave economic outlook and a new administration in office, federal agencies will be forced to do more with less."

Instead of buying new software, the study suggested agencies could save money using open source instead of proprietary software, virtualization technologies instead of new servers, and cloud computing instead of buying software and hardware.

For more on the benefits of cloud computing:
- check out this ComputerWorld.com article

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