Here's an interesting example of a cloud computing service targeting a key vertical: systems integrator Apptis and data center specialist ServerVault have partnered on FedCloud, which offers "Federally Compliant Trusted Cloud Computing." FedCloud launched Aug. 18, and highlights the growing opportunity for high-security clouds for the federal government. The service is in alpha testing, and says it has "agency participation" lined up for the beta phase.
Apptis and ServerVault share a focus on the government sector, and are both based in northern Virginia. The companies say FedCloud is a logical extension of their existing business.
"We have invested a great deal of human and financial capital to ensure we fully operate and comply with federal mandates," John Kraft, CEO of ServerVault. "The coupling of our security and hosting skills with the application and infrastructure management capabilities Apptis offers provides the government with an extremely compelling cloud computing delivery platform."
A number of federal agencies are looking at migrating key applications into the cloud, citing the advantages the cloud model may offer in serving a widely distributed user and employee base. Last month HP (HPQ) announced will help the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) deploy a cloud computing infrastructure. Terremark (TMRK) also is building a healthy government services business, and gaining traction for its Enterprise Cloud offering.
The emergence of services like the FedCloud and the Enterprise Cloud illustrate the challenge facing next-generation cloud builders, many of whom have broken new ground in cloud computing but now must populate their platform with paying clients. Can these new players gain the confidence of enterprise and government customers? Or will this business be captured by specialists who are able to add cloud capabilities to their existing enterprise and government offerings?
