SEC and PTO embark on next phase of digital transformation

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have made significant strides in digital transformation by migrating most of their systems to the cloud. Now, both agencies are moving towards the next phase of their modernization journey by embracing more advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

At the SEC, Chief Information Officer Dave Bottom highlighted the agency’s transition to cloud-based services. The SEC has successfully moved its enterprise data warehouse to an enterprise data platform on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and transitioned to Microsoft O365 for collaboration. Bottom emphasized the agency’s focus on incorporating software-as-a-service into their IT strategy and harnessing digital services through innovative procurement strategies like the digital services blanket purchase agreement (BPA).

Moreover, the SEC has been able to modernize its infrastructure significantly due to the move to the cloud. The agency has reduced its dependency on traditional data centers and adopted a cloud-smart approach to technology access. By leveraging software-as-a-service and managed services, the SEC has overcome obstacles related to technology adoption and modernization.

On the other hand, the USPTO has also begun its cloud journey several years ago, leading to notable advancements in reducing latency and enhancing infrastructure and cultural transformation. CIO Jamie Holcombe shared that the agency is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to refactor old code. By incorporating generative AI and AI for code assistance, the USPTO aims to optimize existing code structures for optimal performance in the cloud environment. Through a pilot phase followed by production implementation, the agency has successfully translated old code and identified areas for expert intervention to enhance efficiency and functionality.

Holcombe highlighted the agile approach adopted by USPTO, emphasizing the importance of showing progress within short timeframes through 30-60-90 day pilot projects. The agency follows a “fail fast” methodology when it comes to code modernization, enabling rapid learning and adaptation for better outcomes. Through the integration of AI technologies, specifically generative AI, USPTO can anticipate learning needs and streamline code structures to prevent common issues like memory leaks.

Overall, both the SEC and USPTO have demonstrated a commitment to embracing innovative technologies and strategies to further their digital transformation initiatives. By leveraging cloud services, software-as-a-service, and artificial intelligence, these agencies are paving the way for enhanced efficiency, modernization, and mission success in the digital era.