StateRAMP and TX-RAMP are cybersecurity frameworks aimed at securing cloud services for government entities, but they have different benefits and drawbacks you need to understand before deciding on one.
Here we’ll explain the differences of these frameworks so you can decide if the ROI of one or the other is best for your business.
StateRAMPis a standardized cybersecurity framework used by state and local governments across the United States. It’s modeled after FedRAMP and uses NIST 800-53 controls.
→ Learn more about the FedRAMP process and its timelines.
SateRAMP requires fewer controls than FedRAMP, and has 2 levels:
StateRAMP requires an assessment from an approved Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO).
For StateRAMP Ready status, your CSP will need a 3PAO Readiness Assessment Report (RAR). This assessment confirms that the provider meets the minimum mandatory requirements set by StateRAMP for this status.
Full StateRAMP authorized status requires a more comprehensive 3PAO assessment – resulting in a Security Assessment Report (SAR).
This report evaluates compliance with the NIST 800-53 controls for your security level (Low or Moderate), includes penetration testing, and other security reviews. The 3PAO's findings are part of the security package submitted for approval by either the StateRAMP Approvals Committee or a Government Sponsor.
According to 3PAO Schellman, you can expect to spend
You’ll also need to pay for the StateRAMP’s Program Management Office (PMO) review:
TX-RAMP (Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program) certification is required for cloud service providers to sell services to Texas state agencies and public higher education institutions.
It’s mandated by Texas Senate Bill 475 and administered by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).
→ Learn how to get TX-RAMP
TX-RAMP has 2 levels with controls similar to StateRAMP and also bases requirements on the NIST 8001-53 baselines.
TX-RAMP certification does not require a 3PAO assessment. The DIR conducts their own assessments of your documentation.
If you have already undergone an industry-standard assessment or audit (like SOC 2 Type 2, PCI DSS, or HITRUST) you can submit your results for TX-RAMP's provisional status.
This is still reviewed by the DIR and allows you 18 months to obtain full certification.
TX-RAMP recognizes StateRAMP and FedRAMP. If you’ve achieved one of these authorizations you automatically qualify for TX-RAMP certification.
Many organizations choose StateRAMP over TX-RAMP because the ROI is potentially much higher. Once you’re StateRAMP authorized you can sell to most state government entities, including those requiring TX-RAMP.
No agencies outside of Texas accept TX-RAMP, so potential revenue is limited.
Expect more cost and effort to achieve StateRAMP.
StateRAMP has more controls and requires a 3PAO assessment.
While your organization will benefit from improved security posture, it will cost you more up front to get there.
Assessments are pricey and StateRAMP requires fees that TX-RAMP does not. The process is also likely to take longer, so you won’t realize your ROI as soon as you might with TX-RAMP.
StateRAMP fees:
TX-RAMP may be the best option for your business if your scope is limited to Texas.
It requires fewer controls, doesn’t require a 3PAO assessment or charge fees.
This makes TX-RAMP less expensive and a shorter process. There is also the option to fast-track your product to market with provisional status.
Learn how to get TX-RAMP certification.
Your ROI is significantly limited with TX-RAMP. You won’t be able to expand outside of the state and TX-RAMP is not accepted anywhere but Texas.
Find out your TX-RAMP or StateRAMP gaps in 30-60 minutes to get started.
You’ll waste a lot of time and money doing TX-RAMP or StateRAMP compliance the old fashioned way. Move faster, save time, hassle, money and your sanity with Paramify.
You’ll get:
How much Paramify costs will depend on your organization's needs.
→ See our pricing or request a demo to learn more.
With a better understanding of StateRAMP and TX-RAMP and the potential ROI differences of both, you can decide which is right for your CSP.
Get started with an inexpensive gap assessment to see what each would cost you or feel free to reach out with any questions.
Want to see Paramify in action? Request a personalized demo or sign up for a video demo below:
→ FedRAMP vs TX-RAMP: What’s the difference?
