Emerging Tech
Microsoft Might Finally Be Committing to Open Source
Late last year Microsoft finally made itself an account on Github, now the de-facto platform that software writers use for sharing and working on open-source code.
Digital Government
IBM’s Watson Helps Veterans Transition to Civilian Life
Service members get assistance from an unexpected ally.
Cybersecurity
Unclassified JFK Assassination Database Still Stored In Top Secret Vault -- for Convenience
Until June, a stand-alone PC held the master index of records inside a locked room.
Digital Government
FTC wants to stretch regulatory arm in big data
FTC Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen says the key to using big data is understanding its limits and “emphasizing the need for human judgment.”
People
'Our goal is to eliminate you as an agency'
Senators grill a little-known Commerce Department agency on whether it's a redundant repository for reports and a middleman for agencies seeking to avoid complicated acquisition rules.
Acquisition
DOD stresses testing, evaluation improvements
Officials tout Better Buying Power 2.0 as a catalyst for defense acquisition reform.
Cybersecurity
This Emerging Malware Sends Secret Messages and Is Practically Impossible to Detect
As if computer malware that steals your data weren’t enough, now there’s a new kind to worry about.
Digital Government
VA Secretary Nominee Views IT as Key to VA Reform
Robert McDonald says he's already met with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to discuss electronic health records.
Digital Government
McDonald Will Apply West Point Honor Code, Prayer to His VA Leadership
Do the harder right thing.
Acquisition
Strategic sourcing’s subtle effects on small business
The emphasis on pricing can work to squeeze small firms out of the running for contracts, says a senior Hill staffer.
Digital Government
VA secretary approved, Chopra promotes his book and more
News and notes from around the federal IT community.
People
Harvard grads then and now: How America has changed
Steve Kelman reflects on what an alumni update suggests about career choices and public service.
Digital Government
How Technology Is Unraveling the Clues of Flight MH17
A look at the technology helping piece together what happened to Flight MH17 in Ukraine.
Digital Government
Feds Join Lawsuit Alleging Symantec Overcharged Agencies for Software
The feds say the company failed to disclose discounts to agencies.
Digital Government
Embassies Get Phone System Upgrades Thanks to New $275M Contract
The task order will provide secure communications to more than 30 diplomatic posts.
Cybersecurity
False Air Force One Crash Reported on Hacked WSJ Facebook Page
The newspaper’s official account described the disappearance of Obama’s plane over Russian airspace.
Digital Government
Did the White House Website Violate Its Own Privacy Rules?
A social-media firm used a new, persistent form of online tracking.
Cybersecurity