Author Archive

William Matthews

Modernization

Marine Corps Finds Pentagon’s Mobile Plan is No Bargain

Without a cheaper commercial alternative, it will be too costly to put more smartphones and tablets in the hands of Marines.

Modernization

Marine Corps Bypasses Defense Mobile Phone Plan; Wants Commercial Options

While department officials say their program will cut costs, they haven’t provided pricing information.

Modernization

Defense Personnel Can Now Use Samsung Galaxy Devices on Pentagon Networks

The department’s approval of Android’s 4.4 operating system gives troops and civilians more mobile options.

Digital Government

Pentagon App Store Is Open, but the Shelves Are Pretty Bare

The Defense Information Systems Agency so far has approved only one software application designed specifically for troops—to report sexual assault.

Modernization

Pentagon Smartphone Plan Is Off to a Slow Start

The Defense Department's program for adopting commercial mobile devices is officially operational, but problems remain.

Modernization

Lawmakers Want Pentagon to Clarify Cloud Security Standards

Bill would ease the way for vendors to sell services to the Defense Department.

Digital Government

EPA hits roadblocks on environmental regulations

The agency won a long-fought battle over fuel standards, but other controls have proved harder to enact.

Digital Government

Mapping Human Terrain

Intelligence analysts are tracking the potential for poverty, extremism and pandemic disease to predict the next national security crisis.

Digital Government

Doctors Go Digital

Stimulus payments are putting e-records within reach for many health care providers.

Digital Government

New tools calculate your tax dollars at work

The White House joins Google contest winners to offer Web-based ways to gauge your federal contribution.

Digital Government

Consumer product website dodges GOP budget ax

Newly launched CPSC online compendium of items verified as possible safety risks still opposed by manufacturers groups.

Digital Government

Transparency websites hit by budget ax

The deal struck to avoid a shutdown would endanger sites as Data.gov, which have enjoyed bipartisan support.

Modernization

Agencies scramble to define critical functions as shutdown looms

Vital technology systems and scientific research will continue uninterrupted, albeit with minimal staff.

Digital Government

White House says critical websites won't be affected by shutdown

Confusion remains over which sites are vital and who are the 'essential' employees required to keep them operating.

Digital Government

Furloughed feds cannot telework or use BlackBerrys

In a shutdown, Hill staffers can say goodbye to government-issued laptops, cellphones and other devices, new guidelines say.