Research Overview
Identification and Prioritization of Mission-Critical Data a Key Challenge for State Agencies
With exponential growth in data levels among federal and state agencies, there is an increasing need to safeguard information technology (IT) assets against natural and man-made disasters such as cyber and terror attacks. However, the sudden focus on disaster recovery (DR) has made identification and prioritization of data a major challenge for the state agencies. Since the goal of disaster recovery is to minimize losses resulting from damages to the capabilities of IT facilities, the success of any database DR plan hinges on being able to determine and prioritize the risks associated with data loss. Hence, storage solution providers that can assist agencies in reviewing their storage architecture and planning business continuity solutions may be better placed to win DR projects at the state level.
This Frost & Sullivan research service analyses the state government markets for DR solutions in the United States. It provides an in-depth analysis of key drivers, challenges, and technology trends in the markets. The study further discusses the political, economic, social, and technological factors affecting spending by state agencies on DR solutions.
Increased Spending by State Agencies on IT Consolidation and IT Modernization Fuels Demand
State agencies have been struggling to modernize their IT infrastructure and improve operational efficiency for a long time. Since individual agencies function as autonomous bodies with their own procuring structures and policies, there is a complete lack of connection between the agencies, leading to the accumulation of a number of stove-pipe systems that are not integrated with each other. In order to facilitate easier information sharing, IT infrastructure of the states needs to be aligned with their enterprise architecture. Most states are now considering this concept seriously and are rigorously working toward aligning their IT modernization plans after carefully reviewing their enterprise architecture.
"Consolidation of e-mail systems, human resources and payroll systems, financial systems, and data centers by the state governments is likely to drive IT spending for the next couple of years," notes the analyst of this research. "As states move ahead with their IT consolidation efforts, they are bound to spend on better storage systems and the necessary back-up and restore solutions." Along with these initiatives there is a heightened need to safeguard critical infrastructural elements against physical and cyber attacks. Since the adoption of internet technologies and wireless devises multiplies their vulnerability to intrusions, states are working to obtain additional funding for security products and services from the department of homeland security.
Partnerships May be Key to Winning Government DR Contracts
Due to the growing need for inter governmental communication and the emergence of e-governance, emergency alert systems and health insurance portability and accountability (HIPAA) systems, spending by state agencies on IT and telecom systems is expected to grow further. With the sharp increase in federal funds to states, partnerships among vendors may be vital to winning crucial government DR contracts.
"State agencies generally prefer to procure a total solution from a single vendor as compared to procuring separate solutions," says the analyst. "Back-up and restore software vendors could form alliances with top software applications and hardware vendors to enhance capabilities and offer a premiere suite of data management solutions."
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