The Impact of Developing Tech Environments on Data

Data is often thought of as an influencer for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. However, it is the other way around in other developing tech environments where data initiatives are being influenced. In particular, zero trust security, 5G and edge computing are poised to influence the way data is collected, processed and distributed.  

Now, more than ever, federal agencies are investing in big data solutions and services. Deltek’s analysis of contract obligations over a three-year period revealed a federal big data spending market of $14.2B from FY 2019 to 2021, growing 53% in that time frame. More specifically, federal spending on analysis support, visualization, analytics, AI/ML, data management and integration, and big data systems and platforms all increased from FY 2019-2021. With that stage now set, let’s dive into the tech environments that will have a hand in influencing federal big data spending even further.

Zero Trust

Driven by the White House’s cybersecurity executive order, agencies must move to a zero trust environment, and do so by the end of FY 2024 according to OMB. Zero trust principles are centered on the assumption that all agency perimeters are compromised by default. To implement zero trust security architecture, agencies may be utilizing micro-segmentation, strengthening identity governance and access controls, or using overlay networks and software-defined perimeters.

Accordingly, some agencies are increasing their data mapping activities to build a cyber situational awareness of their systems. Moreover, IT leaders will be focused on identifying and tagging the data in their environments to implement needed security identity and access controls for zero trust.

5G

Fifth generation (5G) technologies hold the promise of lower latency and increased connectivity and bandwidth in networks. In fact, the transformative potential of 5G is driving the DOD to aggressively pursue the testing and implementation of the technology in areas ranging from automation and smart warehouses to telemedicine.

As such, 5G will allow for the increase of data at federal agencies, as well as the increase in data movement. In turn, this will provide for increased data processing, analysis and shareability – areas agencies are desperately forming strategic data goals around.

Edge Computing

Edge computing provides for the processing and storage of data closer to the source. The intent of edge computing is to save response time from field to office, improving the mission and operations at many disparate federal locations. Edge computing is particularly attractive to the DOD, intel. and law enforcement communities where the processing of data at the point of collection is vital to “on the spot” decision-making. Given this, edge computing solutions are poised to boost data and analysis operations at agencies.

Agency IT leaders are already implementing new data initiatives related to the above tech environments. Given data’s undercurrent role within the IT space, this should come as no surprise. Contractors providing big data solutions and services to federal government should continue following the trends in these tech environments, identifying the opportunities that crop up as a result of progress in zero trust, 5G and edge computing environments.  

For more insight into the technology drivers shaping the federal big data marketplace, refer to Deltek’s Federal Big Data Market, 2022-2024 report.