Tonga Cloud First Policy

Tonga Cloud First Policy sets out general guiding principles for a ‘cloud first’ approach for government ministries and agencies to consider in adopting cloud computing solutions as a primary part of their information technology planning and procurement.

The goals of the Cloud first approach are:

• Reducing the cost of government ICT by eliminating duplication of solutions and fragmentation in the technology environment;
• Increasing the security of the systems by providing clear guidelines for selecting the hosting solution in accordance with data security requirements;
• Increasing productivity and agility through the ICT solutions in the public sector;
• Achieving business continuity by standardising infrastructure management.
• Providing a clear model of engagement with the private sector for hosting the public sector’s ICT solutions.

In order to achieve this, all government agencies of Tonga affected by this policy will evaluate cloud-based services when undertaking all ICT procurements. The decision on the appropriate ICT delivery model will be based on an assessment of each application, incorporating fitment of purpose, cost-benefit analysis and achieving value for money over the life of the investment.