Modernization
DHS starts social network about Southwestern border
The Homeland Security Department is using a site called Ning.com to host a new social network that focuses on topics related to the Southwest border.
Modernization
Court ruling puts brakes on sales of Microsoft Word
Microsoft's loss in a patent dispute with Toronto-based i4i LP means that it will have to stop selling Microsoft Word in U.S. markets. The issue concerns the use of "custom XML" in Word in the Microsoft Office 2003 and Microsoft Office 2007 productivity suites.
Modernization
Microsoft ordered to stop selling Word
Court rules that Microsoft stop selling flagship Word as a result of a patent dispute with Canadian company i4i.
Modernization
NextGen 911 shows versatility
A vendor today showed how the Next Generation 911 emergency calling system is expected to use Internet Protocols to process phone calls, text messages and video.
Modernization
Debate still rages on federal use of cookies
A plan to allow Web tracking technology on government Web sites draws protests, support.
Modernization
OMB and private groups track Congressional earmarks
A volunteer group is creating an online database to contain more than 17,000 congressional earmark requests, while OMB says it is planning to expand its own database next year.
Modernization
Air Force prepares for NetCents contract change
Gregory Garcia, director of the 754th Electronic Systems Group, which oversees the Air Force’s Network Centric Solutions contract, talks about the strategy behind NetCents-2 and his expectations for the new contract.
Modernization
6 tech trends government IT managers should be wary of
There are many good information technology innovations, but not all the current fads are good for government IT. Some trends are bad in general, and some are very bad for government IT managers in particular.
Modernization
Government, industry create threat forum for power grid
EnergySec has grown to include 200 members from the electric power industry, security vendors and government regulators since its formation in December to provide an alternative to the more formal ISAC for rapid sharing of information.
Modernization
Security upgrades highlight DISA buying surge
The Defense Information Systems Agency plans to bolster security features embedded in its far-flung networks and data centers via several acquisition projects planned for the twilight of fiscal 2009.
Modernization
Customs agency ponders acquisition storefront
Officials want to use a “storefront” e-procurement Web site to streamline the purchase of preapproved products and track orders.
Modernization
DISA asks industry for help with new priorities
DISA wants to deliver on-demand, enterprisewide technology services across the Defense Department.
Modernization
Rising Star Kristine Beck
Beck harnessed Web 2.0 technology to open new lines of communication with — and among — Military Health System patients and their families. Senior MHS leaders now blog regularly and respond to comments and e-mail messages on the agency’s Web site, www.health.mil.
Modernization
Rising Star John Araujo
Araujo provided IT analysis and support for CDC’s public health initiatives. An expert in public health informatics, he supports both the Office of the Chief Science Officer and the Office of the Chief Information Officer.
Modernization
Rising Star Don Gunnell
Gunnell spearheaded the procurement and deployment of a wireless network to handle voice, video and data at Twentynine Palms’ massive testing ground. The wireless reach-back system is likely to be replicated at all Navy and Marine Corps ranges, including locations in Iraq.
Modernization
Rising Star Maj. Samuel Abbott-McCune
Abbott-McCune revamped a network laboratory used in IT training, running more than 2 miles of cable, rack mounting 50 pieces of equipment, and creating several cable patch bays so that equipment could be interconnected without moving. He also supervises quality control of 500 classrooms at 15 different locations.
Modernization
Rising Star Vanessa Leigh Manchester
Manchester coordinated the efforts of more than 20 federal agencies as they link their existing health IT systems to the emerging Nationwide Health Information Network via the Connect gateway.
Modernization
Rising Star Heather Blackwell
Blackwell led the modernization of the Air Force’s $600 million inventory of theater command and control and air control communications systems. Using a portfolio management approach, she successfully made the case for a $30 million budget increase to improve communications in counterinsurgency and humanitarian relief operations.
Modernization