Wyle Executive Joins Commission on Federal Cloud Computing

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A Wyle information technology executive is closely involved with an industry effort in defining the course of cloud computing for the Federal government. This effort will include the establishment of recommendations to policy makers on guidance that can be used throughout government agencies and departments to remove barriers to implementation and to ensure the U.S. global position in cloud computing services.

Rick White, the chief technology officer for Wyle's Information Systems Group, has been appointed to the TechAmerica Cloud Commission 2 established earlier this year by the Washington based technology industry advocacy group.

The commission will focus on how best to structure a cloud business model that supports global competitiveness and the business improvement objectives of the Federal government.

"While cloud computing is a common topic of conversation in the Federal Contracting market space, there seems to still be discussion to define it and delineate its appropriate application in order to achieve the promised benefits," said White. "As numerous technology magazines and organizations clamor to extol the benefits of 'the cloud,' Wyle is actively collaborating with TechAmerica constituents in exploring the implications of cloud technology and best practices as applicable to the Federal Government's utilization of cloud computing."

White looks at this opportunity as unique for Wyle.

"This is an exciting time to help inform policy and to offer the administration some industry thoughts on a rapidly emerging and evolving technology," said White. "Decisions will need to be made in the coming months which could directly affect the future of the technology, the Federal Government and our place in the global market."

One of Wyle's solutions architects, George "Mel" Hurley, supports a commission working group which addresses the security implications of Cloud Computing.

"The previous Federal chief information officer, Vivek Kundra, was expecting a lot from information technology with his 25-point plan and the goal of democratizing data," said Hurley.  "It's going to be imperative that we find a way to collaboratively move this technology forward and establish the parameters of security."

Hurley's extensive experience in information assurance makes him uniquely prepared for participation in the American Council for Technology Cloud Computing Task Group focusing more specifically on cloud security and identity management.

The group, co-chaired by William Corrington, chief technology officer of the Department of the Interior, met with the GSA Federal Cloud Computing Initiative office to discuss possibly supporting the creating of a white paper to specifically address the security challenges cloud computing faces.

Wyle's management knows that the growth of the industry and of Wyle may well be tied to how this technology evolves. Because of that fact we have staff involved even at the project and program level. Mark Bortle, Wyle's program manager at the Census Telecommunications Office, is a member of TechAmerica's Cloud Computing Committee.  

This committee, separate from their Cloud Commission, works to educate policy makers about the implications of cloud computing.

"This committee has been active with the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program and working closely with the U.S. General Services Administration and the Office of Management and Budget in the White House," said Bortle. "Wyle has a unique integration of real-world experience that allows us to lead innovation in data science and information management. We're uniquely positioned to help usher in the age of cloud computing."

Wyle, a privately held company, is a leading provider of high tech aerospace engineering and information technology services to the federal government on long-term outsourcing contracts. The company also provides test and evaluation of aircraft, weapon systems, networks, and other government assets; and other engineering services to the aerospace, defense, and nuclear power industries.

Contact:
Dan Reeder
(310) 563-6834
Ref.:  NR/11-27

SOURCE Wyle