HHS Adoption of Cloud Accelerated by COVID-19, Official Says

George Chambers, the Department of Health and Human Services executive director of application and platform solutions, recently explained how the COVID-19 pandemic fast-tracked the adoption and maturation of cloud capabilities. In an interview with Federal News Network, Chambers said the pandemic reinforced an existing need for cloud services by creating a need for real-time systems to coordinate HHS’ 11 operating divisions across the United States.

He pointed out that the department already prioritized cloud technology prior to COVID-19 and that the agency’s response efforts hinged upon its ability to utilize cloud-based data and analytics tools, Federal News Network reported Friday.

On the management of cloud-based data, Chambers noted that it is increasingly common for such resources to be curated beforehand and made accessible for various use cases through protected exchanges, contrasting with conventional practices that confine data to certain functions or applications.

According to Chambers, his office is responsible for providing shared services for use by any of HHS’ operating divisions.

HHS worked with the private sector during the pandemic to enhance the delivery of health services through the cloud.