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Application Rationalization: A Strategic Approach to Agency Cloud Migration

| GSA Blog Team
Post filed in: GSA IT

As cloud integration continues to increase across the federal enterprise, IT portfolio managers face a common challenge that is manifested uniquely for each agency: how do we determine which applications belong on the cloud?

Recognizing the need for a strategic approach to identify applications that are best fit for cloud migration, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Federal Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council, and GSA collaborated to develop the Application Rationalization Playbook, a practical guide to assess applications and help agencies manage their IT portfolio under OMB’s Cloud Smart policy, finalized in June 2019. The playbook is intended to help portfolio managers think through their agency’s approach to IT modernization. 

There is no one-size-fits-all process for application rationalization, so agencies must tailor their approach to fit their unique mission, business, technology, and security needs. To address these priority areas, the playbook is accompanied by a spreadsheet template that agencies can fill out to assess the value, fit, and cost of their application portfolio.

Application rationalization will help federal agencies mature their IT portfolio management capabilities, empower leaders to make informed decisions, and improve the delivery of key mission and business services. It requires buy-in from stakeholders across the enterprise, from senior leaders to end-user communities. 

Save the Date

The Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI) PMO is pleased to announce the Cloud and Infrastructure Summit on October 28, 2019 at GSA Headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. This in-person event will convene IT practitioners from across the federal enterprise to address cloud and infrastructure challenges, discuss opportunities for IT modernization, and share insights on the impact of the Cloud Smart strategy and updated DCOI Memo.

Subscribe to the Cloud & Infrastructure (C&I) community of practice (CoP) for more information about the upcoming summit, and for knowledge sharing opportunities about application rationalization.