Just last year we caught up with the team at Iron Mountain to learn more about its acquisition of Regency Technologies, diving into its continued growth in the public sector and the company’s open invitation for partners. Since then we have seen wins with DHS OCIO and the IRS OCIO, a focused presence at a variety of events including the recent Nuclear Information and Records Management Association (NIRMA) Annual Symposium, and we’ve read pieces on how organizations can get their data AI-ready. Today we connect with Michelle Cornell, Strategic Partner Manager with Iron Mountain to learn more about how this global leader in storage and information management services and strategic partner is continuing to move government forward.
Meeting Federal Missions Head On
As Federal agencies work to meet changing demands, to increase operational efficiency, save taxpayer dollars, protect data and privacy, the challenge becomes one that cannot typically be met by agencies alone, nor by an individual firm. Instead, these challenges require partnerships forged between technology providers and large systems integrators who can support both procuring and implementing complex technology solutions.
“These collaborations yield integrated, end-to-end services that modernize workflows and minimize integration risks with existing legacy systems. Systems integrators possess deep domain knowledge and existing contracts, enabling faster, less cumbersome technology deployment, have the depth of experience to mitigate risks and manage scalability challenges, along with proven track records that ensure success.”
Equally beneficial is the deep expertise and perspective large system integrators bring related to security, compliance and data integrity, and protection. “These partnerships emphasize a “security by design” approach, ensuring end-to-end security and implementing a zero-trust architecture to mitigate cyber threats. They also enhance data integrity through immutable data trails, advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, robust risk management practices.”
The bottom line is a proactive, strategic approach that continues to move government agencies and their missions forward, rather than a reactive model that distracts and detracts from progress.
Beyond Technical Specifications
Understanding that true partnership means looking beyond the black and white, seeking solutions that will not only meet technical requirements, but also the broader mission and strategic goals, early engagement with agency leadership, shifting from output-focused contracts to outcome-based metrics tied to performance goals, and comprehensive change management to facilitate adoption are critical. “As partners we can help leaders identify not only where they knew they needed to go, but what else can be achieved along the way. We provide a broader view that can inform a full-spectrum decision, rather than one that did not consider all of the possibilities.”
As it works to increase efficiency and demonstrate success more quickly, the citizen and user experience also comes into play. “By streamlining processes and facilitating agile implementations, agencies can quickly deploy effective solutions that harmonize data and automate workflows, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency. Government benefits from greater productivity and confidence and citizens benefit from more intuitive digital services, unified service portals, and real-time updates, leading to faster response times and personalized engagement.”
Data as a Strong Foundation
With headlines spinning with new AI tools, chat functions, administrative applications and so on, it is worth remembering AI’s foundation as it relates to data. “There is an abundance of data available to federal agencies that they have not yet tapped into. Capturing, understanding that data, validating and preparing it for use, making it AI-ready, is a critical effort and one Iron Mountain is focused on and committed to.”
Bypassing the flash, understanding the need for that solid foundation, Iron Mountain enables customers to build tailored, sustainable, carrier, and cloud-neutral data solutions while delivering highly regulated compliance, environmental sustainability, physical security, and business continuity.
And, while it may not be leaning into the hype, it is continuing to invest, in AI, in emerging technologies, in cloud strategies, user-friendly digital solutions and better ways forward. “This is a continuous and ongoing investment to ensure we are able to deliver what customers need, to meet new and emerging risks, to ensure government is able to move forward on its key missions with data it can rely on.”
Collaboration Reaps Benefits
Working with partnerships that include systems integrators, federal agencies benefit from an outside view that can include best practices, insights from commercial, state and local governments and workforce skills gaps. “Having that fresh perspective, a broader view of the technology ecosystem, what works or does not, what is new and worth investigating, or proven and worth holding on to, all contribute to a more capable and resilient federal organization, ensuring sustainable progress in navigating modern challenges in governance and technology.”
Iron Mountain Government Solutions recognizes the importance of a robust partnership with federal systems integrators to effectively serve federal agencies, and the innovation and insight small emerging business can bring to the table.
“Iron Mountain provides expertise in information lifecycle management, while systems integrators offer technical integration and application development skills, financial stability and proven customer success. Smaller businesses can provide added agility, new ideas and diverse views based on their own experiences that further enhance the discussion, and the solution.”
Advice for Government and Industry
As government looks to buy, it is typically not seeking a transaction, a point in time interaction, whether that is evident or not. Instead, agencies should seek and understand they benefit from a strategic partnership, a co-investment in the mission. “Government has to recognize it is purchasing comprehensive solutions rather than standalone products and be ready to take advantage of expert integration and customized implementation.”
The knowledge transfer that is available to be leveraged, the insights to be gained from outside its own walls, can support goals of greater efficiency and better outcomes, all while delivering a better citizen experience and continued mission focus. “Partners who bring the right culture and strategic vision are those who can truly help government move forward. They are also who we look to connect with as we continue driving forward federal missions.”
