USDA selects Microsoft for cloud email services

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Microsoft recently announced it has landed a deal to provide cloud-based email and productivity application services to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 120,000 employees.

Marking one of the biggest cloud deployments for the federal government, Microsoft said the USDA will implement its Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Communications Online and Office Live Meeting for messaging, calendaring, document collaboration and web conferencing, among other services.

The company noted that several state governments, including California and Minnesota, have recently deployed cloud computing solutions from Microsoft. But the USDA's decision marks the first time a cabinet-level federal agency has implemented the cloud in such an extensive way.

To ensure security, Microsoft said the USDA's services will be managed on a separate, dedicated infrastructure, and physical access will require biometric controls.

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has announced the federal government will implement a "cloud-first" policy to reduce costs and increase efficiency across federal agencies. Microsoft's announcement follows Google's recent deal to provide General Services Administration employees and contractors with its cloud-based Apps for Government service.