GCC High is one of the systems provided by Microsoft Office 365 Suite and Azure cloud services. GCC High and DOD is just a replica of the Department of Defense cloud systems that businesses, authorized personnel, and other DOD contractors utilize. It is created to guarantee compliance with federal and cybersecurity regulations, involving CMMC, FedRAMP High, ITAR, CJIS Policy, and DFARS 7012.
The technological obligations of the US government are separate from businesses in the private sector. Hence, Microsoft designed and developed software and services that are ideal for businesses in the public sector. Besides Office 365 GCC High, Microsoft has an additional system generally called GCC. It is considered a government replica of the commercial cloud system. Even though they have similar services and functionalities, the data centers are particularly placed in the continental United States. GCC can meet many different compliance structures, involving DFARS 252.204-7012, FBI CJIS, FedRAMP Moderate, and Level 2 DoD SRG.
Differences between GCC and GCC High:
GCC and GCC High offer functions and features that are very similar. But GCC allows cloud services that are compliant with the tax data system and criminal justice obligations.
On the other hand, GCC High complies with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance structure, International Traffic in Arms Regulations as well as Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations. Only a few authorized Hosted Virtual Desktop providers are allowed to sell services to GCC High.
Apart from the similar features, there are also few unique functionalities. GCC comes with client push deployment and office estimations that are unavailable in GCC High. GCC also offers the feature of Yammer that GCC High does not provide.
Deployment process:
The deployment of a cloud system is one of the steps that any businesses struggle with. Here are some basic steps to deploy GCC or GCC High:
Learn and analyze the requirements and eligibility of your business
Adopting a cloud system is a major decision a business has to make. Do you want a cloud like GCC and GCC High? Is your business eligible for the services? Questions like these can help you determine that GCC is an ideal investment or not.
Create an application
Next, you have to apply for authorization. The application process is user-friendly and simple. Basic business data is required and hence you have to make sure that you understand every aspect of your business perfectly.
Invest time in studying the security settings
Analyzing the default security settings of GCC or GCC High is time-consuming but a beneficial process. You and your IT department will estimate the setting to adjust according to your needs. Besides, you would understand if the modifications could affect the potential of your business to be compliant with current specifications and various laws.
Create a roadmap for governance
Ultimately, you can design and create a governance strategy. You can utilize Teams to assist you in the implementation of required data governance abilities. Teams has features that can ensure better government authority.
The key to incorporate governance over GCC and GCC High is to differentiate and document your needs. Also, do not forget to associate your intentions and requirements to the cloud system’s settings and functions to make compliance plausible.