Cloud computing is in increasing use by public sector organisations in New Zealand. Cloud computing offers efficient and cost-effective computer resources for agencies. A full definition of cloud computing has been developed by the United States Institute of Standards and Technology, and can be found here.
Archives New Zealand's position is that keeping information 'in the cloud' does not itself breach the Public Records Act 2005. However, cloud-based systems do present particular challenges and opportunities for recordkeeping.
For these reasons we recommend that agencies using cloud-based systems have an appropriate exit strategy in place, before storing information in the cloud.
We encourage those responsible for records and information management across government to consider such solutions, with advice from their internal records management staff.
Archives New Zealand recommends the following publicly available guidelines on the recordkeeping implications of cloud computing.
| Organisation | Guidance Publication |
| State Services Commission - New Zealand (2009) | Government Use of Offshore Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Service Providers |
| Australian Digital Recordkeeping Initiative (ADRI) (2010) | Advice on Managing the Recordkeeping Risks associated with Cloud Computing |
| National Archives of Australia (2011) | A checklist for Records Management and the cloud |
| Archives and Records Association (UK & Ireland) (2010) | Cloud Computing Toolkit: Guidance for outsourcing information storage to the cloud. |
Archives New Zealand is developing its own guidance on the recordkeeping implications of cloud computing and would be interested in your experience with recordkeeping in cloud-based systems. Please contact rkadvice@dia.govt.nz in the first instance.