The Digital Transformation Agency has unveiled a regime for certifying data centres and managed services providers that handle federal government data.
The agency will assess providers on two certification levels, Certified Assured Hosting Provider and Certified Strategic Hosting Provider.
Certified Assured Hosting Provider arrangements safeguard against the risks of change of ownership or control through financial penalties or incentives, aimed at minimising transition costs borne by the Commonwealth should a data centre provider alter their profile.
Certified Strategic Hosting Provider, previously named Certified Sovereign Data Centre, represents the highest level of assurance and is only available to providers that allow the government to specify ownership and control conditions.