Ideas
A Discussion on the IT Budget -- 2
Bob Evans, senior vice president and content director at TechWeb, and I have been discussing federal IT spending -- too much, not enough, or how do you know? It was prompted by a <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222200171">blog item</a> he posted on Jan. 5. We started the <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222200171">e-mail discussion</a> shortly after.
Digital Government
Here Comes the Navy Cyber Forces
The Navy plans to stand up its new cyber outfit, Navy Cyber Forces, at the Joint Expeditionary Base in Little Creek - Fort Story in Virginia on jan. 26. It will ultimately have some 40,000 cyber warriors under its command, I'm told.
Digital Government
Blurring the Work-Life Line
A new survey by Forrester Research shows that American workers not only support the concept of telework, but also want smartphones to help them stay even better connected to work e-mail and documents as well as co-workers, ComputerWorld <a href="http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9143034/Smartphones_Office_shackles_or_tool_for_work_life_balance_">reports</a>. In fact, many workers are willing to foot all or part of the bill for such access, the survey found.
People
Griffin moves into deputy director spot at OPM
The Office of Personnel Management has announced that Christine Griffin has been confirmed in her appointment as deputy director of the agency.
People
NRC looks for public input on open government
Even though independent agencies are exempt from the Open Government Directive, NRC plans to comply with the White House order, according to a Federal Register notice.
Digital Government
Mini Generation Gaps
<em>The New York Times</em> has an interesting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/weekinreview/10stone.html?pagewanted=2">article</a> on how the ever-accelerating pace of technological change may be creating a series of mini-generation gaps. In fact, recent studies have shown that 16- to 18-year-olds are able to perform seven tasks, on average, in their free time, like texting, sending instant messages and checking Facebook while sitting in front of the television. People in their early 20s can handle only six tasks, and those in their 30s can perform about five and a half, the research found. The heightened ability to multitask has created concerns that younger generations may not be able to focus in school or in the workplace.
Digital Government
Virtual directory serves as DOD's 'white pages'
Implementation of a Defense Department-wide virtual directory, already some 4 million listings strong, requires unity of effort across DOD.
Digital Government
HHS rules on electronic health records have broad impact
Panelists dissected the new HHS proposed rules for distributing $17 billion in incentive payments for health IT systems under the economic stimulus law.
Digital Government
South Korean military bans USB flash drives
In the wake of recent hacking attempts, the South Korean military plans to ban portable flash drives, according to reports.
Digital Government
Microsoft issues Word patch, appeals i4i decision
Microsoft issued a patch this week for Word 2007 to comply with a court ruling that enjoins the use of i4i's proprietary "custom XML" technology in Microsoft's product. Microsoft plans to seek additional legal remedies in the case.
Cybersecurity
SSA fails to E-Verify 19 percent of new hires, IG says
The Social Security Administration did not follow federal employment verification requirements for 19 percent of its new hires, according to a new report.
Digital Government
Blog Briefs: Military spouses, Hollywood actors, health IT and vets debriefed
A roundup from the blog rolls of the federal government.
Digital Government
FCC chairman talks about National Broadband Plan but says little
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski fielded questions about the National Broadband Plan at CES, but he was coy about specifics.
Digital Government
FIPS-certified USB drives have security flaws
Vulnerabilities in supposedly secure USB flash drives that received FIPS certification are causing NIST to review the certification process for cryptographic modules.
Modernization