Digital Government

Security groups cautious about data security and file sharing bills

House panel hears concerns that breach notification could weaken states' privacy laws and forcing peer-to-peer companies to tighten security could stifle innovation.

Cybersecurity

Agencies still fail to take steps to secure information systems

Lack of comprehensive programs to protect data blamed for vulnerabilities.

Ideas

GSA Sends USA.gov to the Cloud

In February I <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090225_6859.php?oref=search">reported</a> that the General Services Administration planned to shift the federal government's official Web portal, <a href="http://www.usa.gov">USA.gov</a> to private servers, a strategy known as cloud computing. The move was expected to cut costs in half and serve as a model to other agencies considering making the leap to software as a service.

Digital Government

How's That Front End Tool Workin'?

The Veterans Benefit Administration has a <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090504_1368.php>mess of tech problems</a> on its hands with the near collapse of its <a href=https://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp>Veterans OnLine Application</a> and an inability to handle documents that vets have to attach to their applications.

Acquisition

FCW Insider: Should contractor performance data be public?

A reader wonders if the Obama administration’s transparency policy will include information on contractor performance scores.

Cybersecurity

Industry group pushing for cybersecurity chief

Officials at TechAmerica, a technology industry association, say a cybersecurity chief would provide vendors with the clear guidance they need to develop products for government.

Cybersecurity

Security concerns hold back social networking

Two recent surveys found that many organizations are putting off Web 2.0 plans until security issues are resolved.

Modernization

Obama administration joins Facebook

The Obama administration's feeds on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are part of an effort to make information available through a variety of online media.

People

Obama scores high marks on transparency, watchdog group says

The Obama administration has fulfilled three out of the five 100-day transparency goals watchdog groups recommended last fall.

Digital Government

Making Stuff Up

FCW cartoonist John Klossner shares his tips for creativity and innovation.

People

Economic stimulus IT forum draws more than 2,500 participants

Vendors and IT experts submitted and ranked ideas for using information technology to better track spending under the economic stimulus law.

Digital Government

Infomania

None

Digital Government

VA benefits system continues to encounter processing problems

Many vets logging onto Veterans Online Application Web site, launched on May 1, couldn't attach documents required to receive educational benefits.