The Administration’s Federal Cloud Computing Strategy requires agencies to default to cloud-based solutions whenever a secure, reliable and cost-effective cloud option exists – however, the move to the cloud requires a dramatic shift in the way Federal agencies buy IT – from capital expenditures to operating expenditures. With this shift comes a learning curve as the government analyzes how to best procure this new service-based model. Today, the CIO Council, CAO Council, and Federal Cloud Compliance Committee released: Creating Effective Cloud Computing Contracts for the Federal Government: Best Practices for Acquiring IT as a Service. This guide enables Federal agencies to make smarter, more informed cloud purchasing decisions by utilizing lessons learned and best practices of early adopters – moving us to a more efficient and more effective government.