Network modernization: Industry engagement update

Shared Services Canada (SSC) is modernizing Government of Canada (GC) networks to support government in a digital age. As outlined in SSC's Network Modernization Way Forward, industry engagements are informing SSC's modernization work, including the GC Enterprise Network and Security Strategy.‌

In June 2022, SSC hosted a virtual network modernization industry day with 47 industry participants. SSC provided status updates and future expectations on network modernization, as summarized below.‌

SSC identified zero trust architecture (ZTA) as an important enabler for the security components of network modernization. The department also noted that ZTA represents an evolution for SSC, from primarily guarding the perimeter to focusing on verification and validation of both users and their devices, enforcing least privileged access, and continuous monitoring. SSC also shared updates on a ZTA proof of concept initiative that is exploring how to use a ZTA approach to provide security enabled collaboration between scientists.‌

SSC outlined recent accomplishments and expected next steps for the network modernization strategy, including progress GC Network Hubs and Internet services, upgrades to networks at GC work sites and the GC Backbone network.

SSC summarized recently completed procurements related to network modernization and shared available information (as of June 2022) on potential upcoming procurements, including procurements related to network routers, data centre hardware and software, LAN products and network monitoring solutions. Visit buyandsell.gc.ca for current information on GC procurement activities, including those related to network modernization.‌

The network modernization industry day concluded with a question-and-answer session. SSC provided responses to deferred questions from the industry day to the attendees.‌

Shared Services Canada expects to hold another industry day in late spring 2023 to provide an update on the network modernization initiative.‌

Further questions about this industry day can be directed to Enterprise Vendor Engagement at enterprisevendorengagement-engagementdesfournisseurs@ssc-spc.gc.ca.‌