Kion Streamlines Cloud Access for DoD, Pioneering Procurement via AWS Marketplace

NEW YORK, NY – November 19, 2025

Accelerating Cloud Adoption for National Security

The Department of Defense (DoD) is taking a significant step forward in its cloud modernization efforts with the availability of Kion, an automated CloudOps and FinOps platform, through the AWS Marketplace as part of the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) program. This move promises to streamline procurement, accelerate cloud adoption, and enhance security for critical missions. Kion’s platform offers a unique blend of cloud management capabilities, emphasizing automation, cost optimization, and crucially, a self-hosted deployment model designed to meet the stringent security requirements of the defense sector.

While the DoD has been steadily increasing its embrace of cloud technologies, the complexity of procurement and the need for robust security have often presented significant hurdles. The JWCC contract, awarded to AWS, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle, aims to simplify the process. Kion’s availability via the AWS Marketplace represents a further refinement, allowing agencies to access advanced cloud management tools with greater ease and efficiency.

“The ability to procure solutions like Kion’s directly through the Marketplace simplifies the traditionally complex process for DoD agencies,” explained one industry analyst. “It removes layers of bureaucracy and allows agencies to focus on rapidly deploying and utilizing cloud services.”

Prioritizing Security and Compliance Through Self-Hosting

In the highly sensitive world of defense, security is paramount. Kion’s self-hosted deployment model is a key differentiator, allowing agencies to maintain complete control over their data and infrastructure. Unlike traditional SaaS solutions, Kion’s platform is deployed and managed within the customer’s own environment, addressing critical concerns related to data sovereignty and compliance. This is particularly important for handling classified workloads and adhering to stringent regulations.

“For many DoD agencies, the cloud is not simply about cost savings or increased agility; it’s about maintaining control over sensitive data,” noted a security consultant specializing in government contracts. “A self-hosted solution provides that level of control and assurance.”

Kion supports deployment on hardened machine images and container services, offering flexibility while maintaining a strong security posture. The platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing security tools and identity management systems, further strengthening the agency’s overall security profile. This approach allows the DoD to leverage the benefits of cloud computing without compromising its security requirements.

“The self-hosted model provides a level of assurance that many government agencies simply cannot achieve with externally hosted solutions,” said a government IT professional familiar with the implementation.

Balancing Innovation with Cost Efficiency

Beyond security, Kion’s platform offers robust FinOps capabilities, enabling agencies to optimize cloud spending and maximize return on investment. The platform provides comprehensive visibility into cloud costs, identifies cost savings opportunities, and automates resource utilization.

“The DoD is under increasing pressure to control cloud spending and demonstrate value,” noted an industry analyst. “Tools like Kion’s are essential for achieving that goal.”

The platform’s automation features help agencies to right-size cloud resources, eliminate waste, and optimize performance. This is particularly important in dynamic cloud environments where resources are constantly being provisioned and deprovisioned. By automating these processes, Kion helps agencies to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Kion’s platform supports a diverse range of cloud environments including AWS, Azure, GCP, and OCI, providing agencies with the flexibility to choose the best cloud provider for their needs. While Kion may not currently hold the same market share as some of the larger cloud management platform providers, its specialized focus on the public sector, combined with its self-hosted model, positions it as a strong contender in this space. The company serves a diverse customer base, including NASA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), demonstrating its ability to meet the unique needs of government agencies.

NASA’s implementation of Kion’s platform has resulted in successful management of their cloud resources with continuous compliance. Likewise, CMS leverages Kion's FinOps features for budgetary control and optimized cloud spending.

Kion’s commitment to security, compliance, and cost optimization is helping the DoD accelerate its cloud modernization journey and achieve its strategic goals.