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Part of NHS architecture principles

Public cloud first

Digital services should move to the public cloud unless there is a clear reason not to do so. 

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Summary

Digital services should move to the public cloud unless there is a clear reason not to do so. 

Rationale

Cloud services provide many advantages including a reduction in the time to deploy infrastructure and a significant reduction in emissions.

Implication

With robust risk assessments and appropriate mitigations put in place, public cloud solutions can be suitable for digital health solutions, including those containing sensitive data. 

Public cloud providers adhere to UK government compliance standards and best practices including:

Public cloud services offer a number of potential benefits, including scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and access to innovation.

Solutions not deployed in Public cloud must ensure they can evidence the decision, business case and value for money behind their choice as described in the Government Cloud First guidance.

Last edited: 22 February 2024 9:04 am

Previous Chapter

Internet first

Next Chapter

Build a data layer with registers and APIs

Chapters

  1. NHS architecture principles
  2. All digital services need to be delivered sustainably
  3. Put our tools in modern browsers
  4. Internet first
  5. Public cloud first
  6. Build a data layer with registers and APIs
  7. Adopt appropriate cyber security standards
  8. Use platforms
  9. Put user needs first
  10. Interoperability with open data and technology standards
  11. Reuse before buy/build