Microsoft introduces compliance guidance for Azure Government users
In an attempt to assuage concerns regarding how its cloud software and services designed for government agencies work, Microsoft has released new documentation for potential customers of Azure Government.
Microsoft Azure Government has already earned quite a few certifications acknowledging that it meets the strict requirements of the US federal government. However, for customers that believe this is not enough, the software giant has created its new Azure Blueprint program to help users use its cloud platform in a way that is compliant with government guidelines.
Microsoft Senior Manager, Nate Johnson offers further details regarding the new program, saying: "The initial release includes documentation to assist Azure customers with documenting their security control implementations as part of their individual agency ATO (Authority to Operate) processes. The FedRAMP Moderate baseline Customer Responsibility Matrix (CRM) and System Security Plan (SSP) template are designed for use by Program Managers, Information System Security Officers (ISSO), and other security personnel who are documenting system-specific security controls within Azure Cloud".
Azure Government users have also received access to Microsoft's Log Analytics service in Operations Management Suite (OMS). Microsoft Azure program manager Sarah Weldon explains how users can now use the company's hybrid-cloud management software and services, saying: "It gives you real-time insights using integrated search and custom dashboards to readily analyze millions of records across all your workloads and servers regardless of their physical location".
To top it off, Azure App Service was also made available to all users of Azure Government users. This bundle offers users additional functionality as it bundles together Azure Websites, Azure Mobile Services and Azure BizTalk Services.
Microsoft's updates to Azure Government come at just the right time, as the company is now facing pressure from competitors such as Oracle and Unisys that are currently attempting to offer their own rival cloud services to the US government.
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