Cloud Calculator Lets Feds Predict Savings

MeriTalk announced Feb. 1 a free online tool that allows federal agencies to quantify their potential cloud savings. The calculator provides agencies with a read on their various cloud model options-private, community and public-and the suitability and financial impact of their cloud model choice.

The calculator is built to leverage federal agencies' data inputs from their existing OMB (Office of Management and Budget) 300 budget justification forms and GAO (U.S. Government Accountability Office) cost estimation standards. The tool utilizes more than 1,400 internal calculations to arrive at agencies' savings opportunities.

"The screaming about cloud is deafening in federal," Stephen W.T. O'Keeffe, MeriTalk's founder, said in a statement. "This tool allows feds to get a read ahead on cloud economics before they put their money where their mouth is. We're delighted to partner with government and industry to develop this first-of-its-kind tool. Cloud is a journey not a destination."

MeriTalk initiated the calculator development process on Sept. 1 with a data call to industries to source the various cloud financial models. The calculator synthesizes information and insights from both cloud vendors and federal agencies that have deployed cloud solutions. Cloud solution providers included Acumen, Amazon, Cisco, DLT, EMC, Google, Government Acquisitions, HP, IBM, Juniper, NetApp, Oracle and VMware.

Federal agencies participating in the development of the calculator included the Department of Commerce, the Defense Information Systems Agency, the Department of Energy, the General Services Administration, the Department of Interior and NASA.