Azure GCC vs GCC High: A Guide to Selecting the Best Government Cloud Option

Azure GCC and GCC High are two government cloud options offered by Microsoft, designed to meet the specific security and compliance needs of government agencies.

Azure GCC is a US government cloud that provides a secure and compliant environment for sensitive government data.

Azure GCC High is a more secure and compliant version of Azure GCC, offering additional security features and controls.

Both Azure GCC and GCC High are designed to meet the requirements of the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53.

Azure GCC High is designed to meet the requirements of the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program, which is a program that provides a framework for protecting sensitive but unclassified information.

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Government Cloud is a specialized version of cloud computing designed for government agencies.

Microsoft's Government Community Cloud (GCC) is a government-specific version of Microsoft 365 Commercial.

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GCC deployments must use data centers located in the Continental United States.

This ensures that sensitive government data is stored and processed within the country, meeting strict security and compliance requirements.

The Government Cloud is a secure and compliant environment that allows government agencies to take advantage of cloud computing benefits while maintaining control over their data.

Azure GCC and GCC High are two separate environments that cater to different needs. GCC (Government Community Cloud) stores data in a separate enclave within the Azure Commercial cloud, which can be accessed by Microsoft's worldwide personnel.

The main difference between GCC and GCC High lies in their hosting environments and security measures. GCC High, on the other hand, houses data in the US Sovereign Cloud, which is located entirely within the United States and can only be accessed by Microsoft personnel who are U.S. citizens with specific clearances.

GCC High offers higher security levels, making it suitable for organizations handling more sensitive data. This includes organizations that deal with Defense, Department of Defense Contractors, and government agencies with specific security and compliance requirements.

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Here are some key differences between GCC and GCC High:

GCC High is only necessary for organizations with very specific security and compliance requirements, including those that need to support compliance requirements like FedRAMP, DFARS 252.204-7012, ITAR, EAR, and more.

Microsoft's GCC High utilizes Microsoft’s US Sovereign Cloud, which is located in the United States and can only be accessed by Microsoft personnel who are U.S. citizens with special clearances.

The US Sovereign Cloud is a significant factor in the difference between GCC and GCC High, offering a high level of security and control for sensitive data.

Microsoft GCC, on the other hand, utilizes the same cloud as Microsoft Commercial and can be accessed by Microsoft’s worldwide personnel, which may raise concerns about data security and control.

The cloud location is a crucial aspect of data storage and access, and it's essential to understand the implications of each option for your organization's needs.

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The main difference between GCC and GCC High lies in their hosting environments and security measures. Specifically, GCC stores data in a separate enclave within the Azure Commercial cloud, which can be accessed by Microsoft's worldwide personnel.

GCC High, on the other hand, houses data in the US Sovereign Cloud, located entirely within the United States. Access to this environment is restricted to Microsoft personnel who are U.S. citizens with specific clearances.

Both environments meet stringent compliance and security standards, but GCC High offers higher security levels. This makes it suitable for organizations handling more sensitive data.

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The US Sovereign Cloud is a critical aspect of Azure GCC vs GCC High. It's located entirely within the United States, providing an added layer of security for sensitive data.

Microsoft's US Sovereign Cloud is the hosting environment for GCC High, whereas GCC uses the Azure Commercial cloud. This difference in hosting environments has significant implications for data security and access.

Only US citizens with specific clearances can access the US Sovereign Cloud, which is a major advantage for organizations handling sensitive data. This ensures that data remains within the United States and is not accessible to Microsoft's worldwide personnel.

Here's a comparison of the two hosting environments:

By choosing GCC High, organizations can rest assured that their sensitive data is stored in a secure environment that meets the highest standards of compliance and security.