Digital Government

Java-GIS Going Mainstream

Autodesk Inc., the PC software company, recently asked a cadre of geographic information system (GIS) usersincluding many from state and local government shopsto spend an imaginary $100 on new capabilities they would like to see in a World Wide Webbased mapping package. Many put their money on J

Digital Government

It's Time to Build an Internet Policy Framework

Virginia recently developed an Internet policy framework that positions the commonwealth to address all the major Internet issues facing state governments. One of the goals in developing this policy framework was to consciously provide a model not only to bring Virginia up to date but to provide le

Digital Government

On the VPN Trail

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has become the first state law enforcement agency in the nation to launch a virtual private network to exchange highly sensitive files with the state's police departments over the Internet.

Digital Government

Going, Going, Gone

Marketplace Going, Going, Gone Pennsylvania's Department of General Services has inked a deal with Internet auctioning company FreeMarkets OnLine Inc. to test popular online auctions in the world of government purchasing. During the threemonth trial, Pennsylvania will conduct three or four live cy

Digital Government

Cohen says DOD IT reforms saving taxpayers billions

Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to reforming the Defense Department's business practices through information technology, Secretary of Defense William Cohen today said that the agency has saved billions of dollars by relying more on the private sector for IT products and services, according to DOD's first electronic status report on reform initiatives.

Digital Government

IRS financial computers in dire need of upgrades

The top financial administrator at the Internal Revenue Service told Congress today that the agency's financial reporting system cannot reliably track federal tax revenue, tax refunds and prepare other key financial statements.

Digital Government

The New Auction Block

It was just a matter of time before an Internetsavvy state or local government became bold enough to get in on the cyberauction frenzy. After all, millions of Americans each day click on popular World Wide Web sites to buy everything from Beanie Babies to baseballs slugged by the likes of Mark McG

Digital Government

Hartford Arms Citizens With Crime-Fighting Tools

Don Noel has owned a home in Hartford, Conn.'s Blue Hills neighborhood for nearly 34 years, but don't mistake him for a man who lives in the past. Noel is well aware of the modernday crimes that have permeated the neighborhood, including robbery, larceny, assault, auto theft and drug dealing. He a

Digital Government

Buying Strategies

In an era of rockbottom computer prices, rapid technology introductions and electronic catalogs, no one could blame state and local purchasing officials for going directly to manufacturers for their information technology equipment. Nonetheless, most buyers are sticking with hardworking local res

Digital Government

Is Everybody Happy?

Not everyone is happy with the outsourcing idea, especially those representing the county's IT employees. Mary Grillo, executive director of Local 2028 of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 60 employees affected by the transition, believes the county was too hasty in its de

Digital Government

U.S. Navy brings British ship into VTC network in Persian Gulf

Federal officials plan to expand the team of experts reviewing agencies' plans to protect their critical computer systems as ordered by President Clinton last year..

Digital Government

Y2K fixes lag in federal grant computer system

The Department of Health and Human Services' top information technology executive told Congress today that the agency's electronic payment system, which processes about $170 billion a year in federal grants, should be Year 2000compliant by June, but the general Accounting Office is skeptical the system will be ready by then.

Digital Government

Compaq, Micron PCs shine with new Pentium

Today marks the release of two Intel Corp. Pentium III-based 500 MHz systems: Compaq Computer Corp.'s Deskpro PN 6500X and Micron Electronics Inc.'s Client Pro 500 CS.

Digital Government

Cohen approves group to scour DOD Web sites

To check the sensitivity of information on Defense Department World Wide Web sites, Defense Secretary William Cohen yesterday approved the creation of a 22member military reserve unit to scour DOD Web sites for security breaches

Digital Government

Energy to open assignment of supercomputing time

The Department of Health and Human Services' top information technology executive told Congress today that the agency's electronic payment system, which processes about $170 billion a year in federal grants, should be Year 2000compliant by June, but the general Accounting Office is skeptical the system will be ready by then.

Digital Government

Feds to expand critical infrastructure review team

Federal officials plan to expand the team of experts reviewing agencies' plans to protect their critical computer systems as ordered by President Clinton last year..

Digital Government

U.S. security effort could be as draining as Y2K

Federal agencies have spent more than a year diverting funds and staff for numerous information technology programs to fix Year 2000 computer problems. Federal security officials said yesterday that the same drain on IT budgets has begun as agencies attempt to comply with a presidential directive to protect their critical computer systems.

Digital Government

DOD revamping massive information architecture

Concerned about the lack of security, interoperability and savings gained from its information infrastructure, the Defense Department has launched a new enterprise network architecture, senior DOD officials told Congress this week.

Digital Government

3Com lobbyists to focus on broadband, E-Rate, encryption

3Com Corp. today officially opened its government affairs office in Washington, D.C., and said it will immediately begin trying to influence legislation dealing with the deployment of advanced/broadband technologies, the Education Rate program to wire schools and libraries, and encryption.

Digital Government

SSA concerned about beneficiaries abroad

The Social Security Administration is developing plans to ensure that people who live overseas continue to receive benefits payments, despite potential Year 2000 problems at financial institutions abroad.