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Secure, multi-cloud interoperability is opening new opportunities for government to modernise services. This approach shows how innovation can be scaled while safeguarding sensitive data and improving responsiveness to citizens’ needs

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A milestone Proof of Concept (PoC) has demonstrated that UK government departments can now securely utilise Microsoft applications, including Power Platform, Dynamics 365, and Copilot, with data stored in Amazon Web Services (AWS), without requiring the movement or duplication of sensitive information.

The initiative, delivered with a major central government department focused on public safety, represents a significant breakthrough in addressing long-standing barriers to cloud interoperability in the public sector. It allows departments to connect systems and share data across multiple cloud providers while maintaining strict security and compliance standards.

For many government organisations, multi-cloud is the reality: critical data and applications often reside in Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Oracle environments. Until now, technical and security constraints have made it impossible to connect these environments, forcing reliance on manual workarounds, costly data migrations, or compromise on tools and functionality.

The Secure Multi-Cloud Connector, developed by Hitachi Solutions Europe, changes that. It enables Microsoft applications to securely access live data in AWS, GCP, or other clouds via a private connection without public internet exposure and without duplicating data. This means government departments can now choose the best tool for the task, free from single-vendor lock-in.

The initial deployment was completed in just eight weeks, enabling Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot to work directly with highly secure citizen case management data stored in AWS, in real time and in full compliance with government security standards. This unlocked the ability to:

• Build live caseload dashboards
• Automate workflows, tasks, and alerts for caseworkers
• Develop virtual assistants
• Apply AI-driven analysis for faster, more informed decisions

These capabilities significantly reduce case processing times, without requiring manual workarounds or complete infrastructure overhauls, and ultimately enhance public service delivery.

“The flexibility to use the right tool for the job regardless of where data resides is essential for modern, efficient public services,” added Jamie Watson, Commercial Director, Government for Hitachi Solutions. “This connector means public sector organisations no longer need to choose between compliance and innovation.”

Key capabilities of the Secure Multi-Cloud Connector include:

• Secure access to AWS and GCP data within Microsoft business applications
• Bi-directional data integration without public internet exposure
• A scalable, Zero Trust architecture aligned with UK Government security frameworks
• No data duplication, maximising use of existing assets
• Enablement of AI and low-code innovation using data from multiple clouds

Beyond technical efficiency, the approach advances UK government goals on interoperability, data sharing, and cost reduction by enabling secure, joined-up services. It also aligns with the Government’s Technology Code of Practice principles of interoperability, reuse, and security by design.

Hitachi Solutions, in collaboration with Microsoft, will offer the Secure Multi-Cloud Connector to other government departments and agencies. An Online Executive Briefing later this autumn will showcase the solution’s architecture, security model, and use cases to digital leaders from across the public sector.

Andy Clough, AI Business Process lead for Public Sector at Microsoft UK, said: “Public sector organisations increasingly need to work across multiple cloud environments to deliver AI-infused, modern, responsive services. This collaboration with Hitachi Solutions demonstrates how interoperability can be achieved without compromising on security or compliance. By enabling government departments to unlock the full value of the leading AI-driven Microsoft technologies wherever their data resides, we’re helping them accelerate innovation, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for citizens.”

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