Microsoft’s cloud platform gets FedRAMP approval
- Written by Webmaster
Microsoft announced Monday that Windows Azure was granted provisional authority to operate by the FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board. The provisional authority gives all federal agencies access to the platform.
“This is the highest level of FedRAMP ATO available, and it is a great honor for Microsoft to receive this certification,” said Susie Adams, chief technology officer, Microsoft Federal. “In addition, the pragmatic and holistic approach we took in achieving the provisional ATO for Windows Azure and its underlying data centers will help pave the way for FedRAMP P-ATOs for even more Microsoft cloud services.”
The federal cloud computing strategy mandates agencies take advantage of cloud services and use them to minimize cost and improve IT flexibility. FedRAMP streamlines the security testing process for computer platforms.
FedRAMP is composed of experts in cloud computing from seven government organizations including the Defense Department and the National Security Agency. It has the authority to grant computer platforms clearance for the whole government so each agency does not have to authorize the same platform.
