What's Happening?
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has entered into a £2.5 million contract with Advania, a Swedish tech supplier, to facilitate the migration of 20TB of data from the Cabinet Office systems. This data was previously stored by the Government Digital Service and the Central Digital and Data Office in a Google tenancy environment. The migration will transition the data to a Microsoft setup managed by DSIT, although some data related to the Cabinet Office will remain under its control but will also be moved from Google to Microsoft. The contract includes resources and migration software, covering technical data migration and change management for staff, including communication, training, and support. The Integrated Corporate Services unit will play a coordinating role in this transition, which is part of the broader DSIT MOG IT program initiated after the expansion of GDS into DSIT following the July 2024 general election.
Why It's Important?
This data migration is significant as it represents a major shift in how government data is managed and stored, potentially enhancing security and efficiency. The move to a Microsoft setup could streamline operations and improve data accessibility across various government departments. The transition also underscores the importance of adapting to new technological environments and the need for comprehensive change management strategies to support staff during such transitions. The financial commitment of £2.5 million highlights the scale and importance of this project in the context of government digital infrastructure.
What's Next?
The DSIT MOG IT program will continue with Phase 2, which involves transferring data and digital assets to the DSIT Microsoft 365 tenancy. The program team is currently undertaking discovery for this phase, having identified source and target platforms, data sets, and volumes. The migration workstream will report to the DSIT MOG IT Programme Board, with the ICS information governance team managing the contract and tracking progress, budget, risks, and dependencies. The agreement allows for potential extensions and additional spending, which could increase the total value of the engagement.
Beyond the Headlines
The migration project may have broader implications for government data management practices, potentially setting a precedent for future transitions to cloud-based systems. It raises questions about data security, privacy, and the role of external tech suppliers in managing sensitive government information. The project also highlights the ongoing evolution of digital services within government, reflecting a shift towards more integrated and efficient systems.
