Application hosting
Application hosting is the process of deploying and running software applications on servers located in data centres or on cloud-based infrastructure.
The 2024 Application Hosting Strategy represents a new approach to addressing the evolving hosting needs across the Government of Canada (GC). It focuses on choosing the most suitable hosting model for applications, based on cost-effectiveness and business value, to support the delivery of digital services to Canadians.
Under the strategy, Shared Services Canada (SSC) isat the centre of all GC application hosting operations.
Visit our article on progress and ongoing engagement with industry and other partners: Advancing application hosting with the GC Hosting Services Portal.
Application modernization
Application modernization is a key driver for the GC’s digital transformation efforts. It involves updating and improving government software and digital tools to align with current technology standards.
Modernization strategies include moving to the cloud, making the code more flexible and scalable, or starting over with a new method. The benefits are enhanced functionality, user experience, security and efficiency that meet evolving business needs.
Legacy systems
Legacy systems are outdated programming or hardware that cannot adapt to new business requirements. As a result, these systems pose risks related to cyber attacks, security vulnerabilities and limitations in adding new features. Additionally, legacy systems often incur high maintenance costs.
While application rationalization streamlines an organization’s application portfolio by reducing redundant or obsolete systems, application modernization updates software to align with current standards and meet business needs.
Whole-of-GC approach
We work with GC departments and organizations to assess existing applications, choose a modernization strategy, streamline processes, gather feedback, manage risks, prioritize applications and leverage cloud technologies.
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
The Office of the Chief Information Officer guides digital priorities in the GC. Canada’s Digital Ambition outlines key challenges and opportunities to strengthen government operations and align with digital trends for service delivery. This includes modernizing applications.
GC departments and agencies
The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s 2024 Application Hosting Strategy outlines roles for federal institutions in application modernization. It notes that federal institutions should continually strive to modernize their applications and develop a digital workforce to manage them. In particular, federal institutions should ensure that their applications are sustainable, have been modernized and are ready to be hosted ahead of launching a request.
Shared Services Canada
We play a crucial role in guiding GC departments and organizations toward application modernization.
By partnering with us, GC departments gain access to technical assistance, tools and a standardized approach for modernizing applications across government. This collaborative approach maximizes value, reliability and predictability, and reduces operating and maintenance costs, allowing money to be put toward transformation efforts.
Contacts
For questions related to the strategic direction of the Application Hosting Strategy, please contact ZZCIOBDP@tbs-sct.gc.ca.
If you are an industry member seeking tender opportunities related to the Application Hosting Strategy, please visit CanadaBuys for more information.