When it comes to cloud services for U.S. government entities and contractors, the stakes are high. You need something secure, compliant, and robust enough to meet specific regulatory standards. The answer? Microsoft’s GCC (Government Community Cloud) and GCC High. But how do you know which one is right for your organization? Here, we explore.
GCC is Microsoft’s cloud offering designed for U.S. government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. It provides a secure cloud environment with a strong focus on compliance. Essentially, it meets the FedRAMP Moderate standard, which is a baseline set of requirements for the security of cloud services used by the federal government.
In addition to meeting FedRAMP Moderate, GCC also provides a secure and isolated environment for organizations that need to ensure their data complies with U.S. government regulations. This includes protection of data such as email communications, document storage, and collaboration tools, ensuring they meet the security needs of a variety of government scenarios.
Think of GCC as the go-to option for agencies that need a secure environment, but don’t necessarily handle sensitive data like classified military information. It’s perfect for government contractors working on less regulated projects or agencies that don’t deal with highly sensitive data.
GCC High takes things to the next level. It’s built for contractors and organizations that need to meet higher compliance requirements, particularly those working with the Department of Defence (DoD) or organizations that deal with sensitive defence, aerospace, or ITAR-controlled data.
GCC High goes further than just meeting FedRAMP High certification - it's designed to help organizations comply with some of the strictest security standards required by industries such as defence and aerospace. This includes ensuring data is isolated in a manner that adheres to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), DFARS (Defence Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement), and even CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification).
GCC High is certified under FedRAMP High, the government’s more stringent security certification. This means higher security controls and more restrictions on how and where data is stored, which makes it a better fit for entities handling sensitive information like classified defence data.
While both GCC and GCC High serve government agencies and contractors, they cater to different levels of security and regulatory requirements.
Think of GCC as the middle ground. It’s the right choice for most state and local government agencies, or contractors working on non-sensitive, general government projects. If your work doesn't involve classified information, but you still need to comply with federal standards, GCC is the perfect fit.
If you’re dealing with sensitive or classified data, or if your company supports the Department of Defence or military contractors, then GCC High is the cloud environment you need. It’s built for industries that require the highest level of security controls and certifications, including compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC.
Here’s something important to keep in mind: switching from GCC to GCC High isn’t an automatic upgrade. It requires more than just flipping a switch - it’s a whole new environment with stricter compliance and security protocols. If you need GCC High standards, you’ll have to undergo a more in-depth setup process, and your organization must meet specific eligibility requirements for the transition. Additionally, migrating to GCC High can involve significant changes in your security architecture, data residency practices, and compliance strategies.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what level of security and compliance your organization needs. If you're working with general government data and don’t need to meet high-level security standards, GCC will do the job. On the other hand, if you’re handling classified data or working with the DoD, GCC High is the clear choice.
By understanding your regulatory requirements and the type of data your organization handles, you can select the platform that best meets your needs and ensures your cloud environment is as secure as possible.
GCCH for Microsoft Teams Phone is essential for organizations in regulated industries, particularly those needing FedRAMP High, ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC compliance. It provides the necessary security standards for voice, video, and collaboration tools, minimizing risks and helping organizations meet strict regulatory requirements for communication systems. Without it, ensuring compliance and safeguarding sensitive communications would be challenging.
When it comes to securing and streamlining communications on GCCH Teams Phone, businesses need a trusted partner to ensure a seamless integration that meets the highest standards of security and compliance. Aura is an expert in providing tailored solutions for GCC and GCC High environments. We understand the complexities and offer businesses the support they need to deploy Microsoft Teams Phone with confidence.
Whether you’re in the defence sector, a government agency, or a contractor working on sensitive projects, our expertise ensures that your GCCH Teams Phone solution is not only compliant but also optimized for reliability and performance.