Digital Government

Cloud clarifies Haiti relief work

Cloud computing work in Haiti relief efforts reflects broad transformation.

Ideas

Supreme Court Sorta Spiffs Up Web Site

The heavily-trafficked <a href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/">Web site</a> of the U.S. Supreme Court -- long criticized for its confusing navigation and lack of information -- has finally been upgraded, somewhat.

Digital Government

VA Valet Parking Services?

Yep, soon veterans headed to the Veterans Affairs Department hospital in Loma Linda, Calif., which is down Interstate 10 in Palm Springs will be served with the same kind of highfalutin parking service experienced by the pampered set at upscale restaurants.

Digital Government

HHS Reaches Exchange Milestone

As of this week, HHS has awarded funds for building health information exchanges, the nervous system of an advanced health IT system, to every state and eligible territory. Dr. David Blumenthal, national coordinator for health information technology, said the occasion marked a "significant milestone" in attaining the seamless exchange of health information that is needed to improve patient care.

Digital Government

Bill Aims to Improve Cyber Workforce

A bill introduced in the Senate on Wednesday would invest in the certification, training and hiring of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The bill, introduced by Sens. John (Jay) Rockefeller, D-W.V., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, is a revised version of a bill first proposed in 2009 and is designed to <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100317_1762.php?oref=topnews">help the government address vulnerability to cyber crime and attacks</a>.

Digital Government

Potty Parity?

<em>Government Executive</em>'s latest <a href="http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=44826&oref=todaysnews">Burning Question</a> feature tackles the issue of whether federal buildings should provide men and women equal access to restroom facilities. I know the issue isn't technology-related per se, but it could have some important implications for the IT workforce, especially if more <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23033748/">women begin pursuing technology degrees and careers</a>.

Modernization

FCC national broadband effort gets Web site

The Federal Communications Commission has launched a new Web page today designed to provide information about the efforts to create a national broadband plan for public safety.

People

Gordon: Management demands tag along with rebuilding a workforce

Federal workforce managers have a delicate job of tending to their employees

Modernization

Agencies crafting transparency plans with a full suggestion inbox

Agencies are expected to incorporate into their upcoming open government plans some of the thousands of ideas and comments they've received from the public through an online outreach effort since Feb. 6.

Cybersecurity

Navy Scholarships Up the Ante on Recruitment

A series of cool competitions is starting to revolutionize the field of cybersecurity. The <a href="http://www.sans.org/uscc/">U.S. Cyber Challenge</a> began as an outlet for young Americans to use their computer defense and hacking skills and for the really talented ones to fill the ranks of security practitioners, researchers and warriors. What started as a big idea took a big step forward with the announcement this month of a <a href="http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51745">scholarship program</a> from the Navy.

Digital Government

VA-DOD health data exchange may be down for a month

The exchange was stopped because errors were popping up in the data on a regular basis.

People

Web-based network created for health IT CIOs

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives has set up a national online network to smooth collaborations between state health IT CIOs.

Modernization

DHS officials defend progress on SBInet border system

Two days after Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano froze some spending on the SBInet virtual fence system at the Arizona border, DHS officials say the system is providing needed capabilities.

Digital Government

Dark cloud: Study finds security risks in virtualization

Virtualization is proving its ability to reduce costs, but a new set of security threats is emerging as IT managers struggle to adjust to new ways of managing risk.

People

How to scare away federal IT job seekers

FEMA and other agencies are trying new approaches to attracting IT talent, some with more success than others.

People

Apple backs up iPad's battery -- for a price

Apple has a program to give users refurbished iPads when the batteries fail.

People

With all-in-one PCs, one size doesn't fit all

The GCN Lab reviews five desktop systems where everything is bundled together -- for better or worse.

Digital Government

KSAs and hiring reform in government

OPM's new leader wants to reform the hiring system so that greater numbers of qualified candidates can compete for jobs.

Modernization

New NOAA Web site tracks Arctic sea ice loss

A new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Web site provides satellite measurements of the loss of Arctic sea ice and examines Arctic science and policy issues.