Fast-track constituent experience and innovation by engaging cloud and AI-ready software specialists

Federal agencies are under unprecedented pressure. The call to modernize, enhance constituent services, and operate more efficiently is louder than ever. Yet, many leaders find themselves grappling with aging infrastructure, the complexities of digital transformation, and the challenge of delivering experiences on par with commercial counterparts —all while navigating tightening budgets and resource constraints. This is a pain point I hear frequently: the desire to innovate and serve constituents better, often hampered by the sheer scale and perceived cost of overhauling legacy systems.

The good news is that a paradigm shift is underway that offers a practical solution. The traditional model, where agencies might rely primarily on large systems integrators for technology decisions, is evolving. Agencies are discovering the benefits of turning instead towards more direct, vendor-led technology consultation, where agencies engage with software providers who bring deep domain expertise to the table. This collaborative approach opens new avenues for accelerated progress, especially when anchored by a “Cloud Service Provider (CSP) first” strategy.

There are several compelling reasons why more government leaders should embrace this shift and think differently about acquiring and deploying technology.

That starts with realizing that the path to greater value lies not just in adopting modernized software but in strategic partnerships—combining the specialized capabilities of firms with deep government experience, like Adobe, with the robust, scalable infrastructure of cloud leaders, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Why is this combination so potent? Among other reasons:

1. Enhanced Constituent Experiences at Scale: The public expects seamless, intuitive digital interactions with government, akin to what they experience with leading commercial brands. Adobe, for instance, powers the digital experiences for most Fortune 500 companies through platforms like Adobe Experience Manager and Adobe Experience Cloud. These enterprise capabilities can quickly transform “.gov” websites, citizen portals, and digital service delivery with the guidance of experienced software engineers. For example, many taxpayer-facing forms on IRS.gov are powered by Adobe Experience Manager and delivered through Adobe Managed Services on AWS. That combination has helped improve the user experience for millions of constituents while making the backend operations more efficient and reliable.
2. Power to Innovate Securely. Agencies gain additional benefits through the close collaboration of Adobe’s partnership with AWS. AWS provides the critical foundational infrastructure upon which robust digital experiences are built. This partnership allows us to focus on what we do best: crafting cutting-edge, AI-enabled, pre-certified software innovations for digital engagement, while AWS ensures the underlying services are secure, scalable, and resilient. For example, we recently worked with a government agency looking to leverage image recognition to identify digital assets across their enterprise. AWS’s image recognition capability was already FedRAMP-certified, which allowed us to rapidly extend the functionality of our asset management solution. The result: We were able to meet unique security requirements and deliver innovative value to the customer far quicker than building from scratch through a traditional SI approach.
3. Accelerated Execution: Migrating to the cloud is a force multiplier, traditionally leading to cost savings and, crucially, access to powerful and scalable capabilities. However, enterprise software, especially solutions that power complex digital experiences for large organizations, requires expertise for full value realization. It’s not enough to install enterprise software; it also takes experienced teams to assess an agency’s existing technology footprint and deploy it in a prioritized and deliberate way. Engaging with specialized experts ensures that technology is implemented correctly, delivers value to constituents faster, and avoids the long tail of unrealized ROI.
4. Optimized Resources and Cost Efficiency: Maintaining on-premises data centers and managing infrastructure carries a significant cost burden that will continue to grow over time. Partnering with a CSP like AWS allows agencies to achieve much greater scale at a lower cost. When this is combined with specialized software designed for the cloud, the efficiencies are compounded. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about reallocating resources towards mission-critical objectives and innovation, rather than infrastructure upkeep.

What many government leaders may not fully realize is the depth of enterprise capabilities that go well beyond the PDF and creative software tools Adobe is commonly known for. Adobe offers powerful enterprise solutions that drive digital transformation at scale. Our recent GSA arrangement for a paperless government bundle is an example of our commitment to helping agencies achieve digital maturity, comparable to leading commercial brands, moving from nascent PDF-based processes to sophisticated, web-accessible, and mobile-friendly digital forms and experiences.

To truly modernize and meet the evolving needs of citizens, government leaders must invest not just in technology but in partnerships that bring expertise, speed, and a shared vision for success. By strategically combining the strengths of specialized software providers with the power of leading cloud platforms like AWS, agencies can bridge resource gaps, overcome the challenges of aging infrastructure, and, most importantly, deliver on their mission more effectively and efficiently than ever before. The time for incremental change is past; the future of government service delivery is collaborative, cloud-powered, and citizen-centric.

Learn more about how Adobe and AWS can help your organization modernize faster or more effectively.

Discover how other AWS partners are helping agencies accelerate their AI and cloud modernization efforts.

This article was sponsored by AWS and Adobe.