Cloud Computing in the Marine Corps: Needed Innovation

Cloud computing is revolutionizing the ability for organizations and people to access information not seen at any point in our past. The linear model of passing information from one user to another is quickly being replaced by placing data, applications, and software in a centralized location or cloud in order to users to access at anytime or anywhere. This creates significant cost savings to organizations and establishes an efficient model to pass and share information quickly. Money can be saved through reduced operating and capital costs to an organization's Information Technology structure. The Federal Government is taking notice and has established policy for all agencies to adopt cloud computing, where appropriate, within their organizations. The Marine Corps has moved towards cloud computing, but needs to fully implement the cloud in order to maximize the benefits of cost savings and reduced manpower within the Marine Corps.