Understand the B.C. government’s cloud-smart approach

What a cloud-smart approach means

A cloud-smart approach recognizes the benefits of cloud services, while acknowledging that other options may better suit certain applications. 

The approach focuses on making thoughtful, strategic decisions around what works best for business and operational needs. 

---

Why we have a cloud-smart approach

The B.C. government recognizes that cloud technology isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. A cloud-smart approach empowers organizations with the flexibility to tailor solutions to their unique circumstances. 

Ministries are best positioned to determine what works for them. A cloud-smart approach provides ministries with the flexibility to adopt cloud solutions based on specific business needs and operational requirements.   

  By being cloud-smart, we can: 

• Address the complex and varied requirements across the B.C. government  
• Ensure our applications and systems are scalable, flexible and resilient 
• Maximize investments  
• Prioritize security and compliance  
• Manage risk effectively  
• Gradually update our services without impacting business operations 
• Foster a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving technologies  

Cloud technology is essential to the B.C. government’s digital transformation efforts. It supports the Digital Plan by enabling reliable service delivery and equipping the BC Public Service with up-to-date tools.  

As the B.C. government continues enhancing and introducing new services, it’s likely that cloud adoption will accelerate. A cloud-smart approach will help encourage organizations to:  

• Assess their existing infrastructure and investments  
• Determine when cloud technology is suitable for their use case 
• Make decisions based on their overall business portfolio, rather than a single application 

How we’re applying this approach

The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has established various services needed to support the cloud-smart approach: 

• Public cloud hosting. This service offers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). These options provide access to secure, on-demand, pay-as-you-go virtual hosting services that comply with privacy and security requirements. Teams can quickly deploy applications and easily scale resources as needed, while benefiting from robust security measures that protect data and applications
• Private cloud hosting. Private cloud offers a PaaS model with public cloud-like features and benefits, like scalability and a self-serve model. The private cloud is hosted in the B.C. government data centres, which are protected with various layers of security and oversight
• Data Centre hosting services. This secure hosting environment uses physical facilities and hardware, as well as virtual machines that are managed on-site at data centres with space dedicated to the B.C. government. The service provides connectivity, storage and processing power for large-scale applications and systems
• Software as a Service (SaaS). The cloud-smart model also recognizes the need for access to SaaS applications. SaaS refers to ready-to-use software that’s available on the internet. It doesn’t need to be installed on devices or hosted by the B.C. government. Ministries can use SaaS solutions for various business needs. Some large SaaS platforms may also work as PaaS, which offers tools to build and customize applications

Each environment is protected by robust security measures and protocols that help protect data and applications. Ministries can access security tools and best practices information, so they can protect their applications. These services fit into a hybrid multi-cloud model that enhances flexibility by allowing ministries to choose the best option for their needs.  

By applying a cloud-smart approach with a hybrid multi-cloud model, decision-makers can make informed, strategic decisions around the selection of tools and infrastructure. 

Data centres will continue to play a vital role in our cloud-smart approach

As we increase our use of public cloud services, B.C.’s dedicated data centre spaces will remain an essential part of our digital infrastructure.  

They’ll continue to provide the storage, processing power and security controls that ensure a stable environment for large-scale systems and applications.  

---

What we’ve accomplished so far

The B.C. government has made progress in 4 key areas to update its digital infrastructure. 

We updated the law so we can access advanced cloud tools

The B.C. government has updated the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) data-residency provisions on November 25^th, 2021. This law controls how personal information is handled. 

Previously, personal information had to be stored and accessed in Canada, except under limited circumstances. Now, information can be stored outside of Canada to help public bodies keep pace with digital technologies, including cloud. 

To ensure that the personal information that people entrust to government continues to be protected, privacy impact assessment requirements were strengthened. These assessments consider risk on a case-by-case basis, based on the sensitivity of the information involved and where it’s stored. 

Over 450 digital products and services are using the OCIO’s private and public cloud services

These secure and reliable private cloud and public cloud platforms help teams deliver digital services efficiently. 

They also employ a community-based support model to facilitate knowledge-sharing, collaboration, continuous improvement and problem-solving. 

All BC Public Service employees are now equipped with cloud-based productivity tools

The BC Public Service has implemented cloud-based tools that increase productivity and collaboration. Employees also have access to self-serve training resources and community support. 

The flexibility and scalability of cloud-based tools allow the B.C. government to grow and adapt to changing work requirements and employee needs. 

By storing and managing data in the cloud, employees have secure access to the latest versions of applications. This reduces the risk of data breaches and information loss. 

Digital workplace tools also enhance collaboration in a hybrid workplace, where employees work both remotely and in the office. It allows employees to work together seamlessly, regardless of their location. 

We’re enabling multi-cloud connectivity

A new Multi-Cloud Connectivity Service will enable ministries to transfer data from the B.C. government’s data centres to the OCIO-managed public cloud hosting environments quickly, easily and securely. This means organizations can build hybrid cloud applications and services to take advantage of both data centre and public cloud hosting environments.

---

What’s next

The services provided by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services Office of the Chief Information Officer are informed by ministries’ needs and goals. Key initiatives include:  

• Following a strategic roadmap that identifies where OCIO’s technical resources are required to support client success. It also outlines where ministries can achieve their goals independently of OCIO-managed services 
• Investing in training, knowledge sharing and community building to support the maturity of our services. Our goal is to provide client-centred, self-serve solutions for ministry teams  
• Offering more cloud-based tools to B.C. government employees. The Digital Workplace team is continuing to investigate, monitor and enable new applications while providing training via self-paced learning and webinars 
• Enhancing procurement processes to support ministries by increasing access to cloud hosting environments and software. This improves the procurement of scalable enterprise software subscriptions and increases the number of available corporate supply arrangements across the B.C. government. This initiative aligns with the BC Procurement Plan