...its endpoint access, as less access means there is less to attack, and that's the approach we're taking. If we have a smaller number of datacentres, we can make them even more secure than they are today.
You have to ask the questions: Do you need so many datacentres? Can you protect them? In this context, less is more.
Why has the government decided on either nine or 12 datacentres?
We are learning from business continuity planning and critical national infrastructure organisations — they have clusters of datacentres. There is a lot of theory on the need for trios of datacentres, so if one goes down, you have two more to protect your data. That's why we're talking of nine or 12 — because they are made up of trios.
Do you expect attacks on government systems to increase, or will they remain at present levels?
At the present time, people are saying that cyber [attacks] will continue to increase as technology becomes more pervasive. From a UK perspective, we need to make sure we are fully protected from cyber [attacks]. Cyber will continue to grow as an issue. The government has recognised that, and responded by [measures such as] setting up the Cyber Security Operations Centre. You've got to take cybersecurity seriously, and we absolutely do.
What is the rationale behind the government app store?
In a procurement exercise, you have to spend money both on the buyer and on the supplier side — it all takes money and time. The government app store standardises the values of products, services and design, which cuts out time, and time is money. It's cheaper from both a supplier and procurer perspective.
Also, we are frequently criticised for only giving work to the same suppliers — which is not true, but I can understand the criticism. We want to drive innovation, and the app store will put [SMEs] on an equal footing to the big boys and girls.
Why have a standard set of specifications for government PCs?
I believe Gartner has put the total cost of PC ownership for large organisations at around $3,500 (£2,200) per user over four years. But how many people actually spend that?
I was quite surprised that 25 years after the invention of the PC, no-one could tell me the best engineered design for a desktop. We're working with the Identity and Passport Service and the Department for Work and Pensions to come up with some standard models at a defined price. It's really important, if you think of how big the public sector is.
There are around four million devices out there — if we can save £10 per device, per year, that's £40m.
Talkback
"Why have a standard set of specifications for government PCs?
I believe Gartner has put the total cost of PC ownership for large organisations at around $3,500 (£2,200) per user over four years. But how many people actually spend that?
I was quite surprised that 25 years after the invention of the PC, no-one could tell me the best engineered design for a desktop. We're working with the Identity and Passport Service and the Department for Work and Pensions to come up with some standard models at a defined price. It's really important, if you think of how big the public sector is.
There are around four million devices out there — if we can save £10 per device, per year, that's £40m."
Things such a intel ion chips or just as small maybe ARM chips are perfect for such use's combined with micro AT boards, such hard wares can be housed within a screen casings, which could then support both touch screen and or separate keyboards at will.
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