InformationWeek

Securing The Cyber Supply Chain

November 7, 2009
Many parties touch your organization's systems and software, potentially exposing them to malware, breaches, or worse. A new end-to-end approach is required to minimize the risks.

Craigslist Founder To Advise Veteran Affairs

November 6, 2009
The Department of Veterans Affairs has invited Craig Newmark to join a panel to review suggestions for fixing its claims processing.

Obama's Open Government Directive Nears Release

November 5, 2009
The directive, which is behind schedule, will require federal agencies to develop and outline specific actions they will take to be more open to the public.

eReferral System Boosts Medical Center Bookings

November 5, 2009
A portal-based referral system from Carefx and a clinical information exchange from GE Healthcare increase appointments and reduce patient no-shows.

IBM CEO Sam Palmisano Talks With Global CIO

November 5, 2009
In a rare and exclusive interview, the man who transformed IBM speaks out on business analytics, cloud computing, and the emerging Smarter Planet.

Government Technologist: Vivek Kundra's Data Center Problem

November 4, 2009
The number of data centers belonging to the U.S. government has more than doubled in the past 10 years. Can Federal CIO Vivek Kundra put a stop to the trend?

Intel Hit With Antitrust Suit In NY

November 4, 2009
The New York attorney general claims the chipmaker used bribery and coercion to prevent computer makers from using rival products.

Health Care Provider Improves Performance With Metrics

November 4, 2009
Presbyterian Healthcare Services uses Actuate performance management software in pursuit of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award.

Homeland Security Seeks New Ideas

November 4, 2009
The federal agency plans to adopt the Transportation Security Administration's IdeaFactory crowd-sourcing application to encourage brainstorming by employees.

Lockheed Martin To Manage Pentagon Network

November 3, 2009
On the heels of an earlier contract, the vendor will continue managing the Pentagon's data network and other military networks in the nation's capital.

Big Blue Helps Ireland Stay Green

November 3, 2009
IBM has partnered with environmental authorities in the country to establish a real-time water management portal.

Microsoft Drops Prices Of Cloud Apps

November 3, 2009
Exchange Online's monthly price drops from $10 to $5, and storage increases to 25 Gbytes, matching Google Gmail.

Pressure Grows To Name National Cybersecurity Coordinator

November 2, 2009
Five months after President Obama announced plans to appoint a cybersecurity coordinator, some members of Congress are getting impatient and pressing for action.

Q&A: CIO Ross Philo On 'Post Office' In Your Home

November 2, 2009
In a tough business environment, the U.S. Postal Service is delivering new capabilities for home PCs and smartphones and new services for high-volume mailers, says its top IT executive.

Practical Analysis: Time To Embrace The Netbook

October 31, 2009
One thing's for certain: The computing device policy you laid down a few years ago won't do anymore.

CIO Profiles: Andy Blumenthal, CTO Of The Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms And Explosives

October 31, 2009
This tech chief wishes he had joined government right out of college.

IBM Targets Smart Cities, Government Services

October 30, 2009
A new government framework is aimed at tax and revenue management, safety, social services, transportation, and urban infrastructures.

Federal CIO Kundra Plans Cybersecurity Dashboard

October 30, 2009
The White House, which recently introduced a FISMA reporting tool, outlines plans for new cybersecurity metrics and a dashboard for tracking progress.

An Android App For The Military

October 29, 2009
Raytheon's mobile application for Android-based smartphones employs GPS, camera, and other real-time capabilities for use in the field.

NSA To Build $1.5 Billion Cybersecurity Data Center

October 29, 2009
The massive complex, comprising up to 1.5 million square feet of building space, will provide intelligence and warnings related to cybersecurity threats across government.

NASA Test Fires 'Mars Rocket'

October 29, 2009
First trial of Ares I-X goes off without a hitch following series of weather delays.

Google's 'Gov Cloud' Wins $7.2 Million Los Angeles Contract

October 28, 2009
The City of Los Angeles plans to replace its Novell GroupWise e-mail system with Google Apps, partly using anti-trust settlement money paid by Microsoft.

Defense CIO Touts Benefits Of Open Source

October 28, 2009
Deputy CIO David Wennergren points to reliability, security, and lower TCO as among the potential benefits of using open source in the U.S. military.

NASA 'Mars Rocket' Launch On Hold

October 28, 2009
Ares I-X still on ground Wednesday morning as NASA copes with fickle conditions.

$100 Million Healthcare Cost Database Announced

October 28, 2009
Built with settlement money from health insurance companies, it will help drive down medical costs, says New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

MedPlus Tapped For Health Information Exchange

October 27, 2009
New Mexico will work with technology partner MedPlus to build an electronic infrastructure connecting the state's healthcare providers.

NASA Scrubs 'Mars Rocket' Flight

October 27, 2009
Ares I-X now set to lift off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday.

President Obama Details Smart Grid Funding

October 27, 2009
The government plans to spend $3.4 billion in federal stimulus funds to upgrade the nation's power grid. R&D efforts are already underway at some leading tech vendors.

Amazon Offers MySQL Cloud Service, Cuts Server Fees

October 27, 2009
In a preemptive strike at Microsoft, Amazon Web Services offers a relational database in the cloud, high-memory configurations, and cuts hourly fees for its Windows and Linux servers.

NASA 'Mars Rocket' Set For Test Flight

October 26, 2009
Ares I-X will lift off from Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday—weather permitting.

H1N1 Flu Tracked By E-Prescription Data

October 26, 2009
Public health officials in Rhode Island are electronically monitoring possible swine flu outbreaks based on drug data from pharmacies.

Lockheed Locks Down Federal Health IT Contracts

October 26, 2009
Awarded $170 million in contracts, the company will provide services for government health information technology systems.

White House Uses Open Source To Open Government

October 26, 2009
The Whitehouse.gov site now runs the open source Drupal content management system, which includes social networking tools that can be used for communications and participatory government.

Two Silicon Valley Engineers On Trial For Espionage

October 24, 2009
Two engineers in California went on trial this week on charges they were economic spies for the Chinese government.

Down To Business: Tech Patents Revisited: Alternative Approaches

October 24, 2009
The fact that patent reform has repeatedly died in Congress shows there are no pat answers. But here are a few strong ideas.

Uncle Sam Mulls The Move To Windows 7

October 23, 2009
Many government agencies participated in the Windows 7 beta program, but the public sector is expected to trail businesses in adopting Microsoft's new operating system.

FCC Approves Net Neutrality Rule Making

October 22, 2009
The move opens up a vehicle for comments, but how and to what degree the Internet should be free or regulated remains to be decided.

Google, Verizon Jointly Back 'Open Internet'

October 22, 2009
The search giant and wireless carrier find rare common ground on a few core net neutrality principles.

Evidence Points To China In Cyber Attacks

October 22, 2009
A Northrup Grumman report suggests that the Chinese government is behind a coordinated series of attacks on U.S. government and private sector computer systems.

EU Online Music Pact May Be Model For U.S.

October 22, 2009
Amazon, EMI, Apple, and Universal took part in the agreement, which could have ramifications for U.S. regulatory action.

CIA Invests In Social Media Monitoring Technology

October 22, 2009
Investment arm In-Q-Tel is funding Visible Technologies, making its online brand analysis capabilities available to U.S. intelligence agencies.

Secret Service To Revamp Ailing IT Systems

October 21, 2009
In an effort to avoid 'mission failure,' the agency plans to deploy new storage systems, virtualize servers, modernize databases, and expand mobile and wireless capabilities.

Government Technologist: Energy's $32 Million Cloud Experiment

October 21, 2009
The Department of Energy has embarked on an ambitious project to see how cloud computing can be used by scientists at its national labs. Is it taking on too much, too soon?

Space Shuttle Successor Ready For Test Flight

October 20, 2009
NASA's Ares I-X rocket is set to lift off next week on first trial run.

Government IT Spending To Slow

October 20, 2009
IT spending by civilian agencies will grow 3.4% annually over the next five years, a significant slowdown compared to the previous five years, according to a new report from TechAmerica.

NSA Director Tapped For Cyber Command

October 20, 2009
Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander will be in charge of cyberwarfare and the security of military networks.

Indiana Cancels $1.3 Billion IBM Contract

October 19, 2009
The state cut IBM loose, saying the company failed to deliver on a multi-year welfare modernization effort.

Facebook, Twitter Join Google In Net Neutrality Battle

October 19, 2009
New rules governing online communication are expected later this week and Internet companies are making sure their concerns are heard.

NATO Turns To Telepresence For Savings And Security

October 19, 2009
The alliance is using 'life size' video conferencing for communications and collaboration, project management, and emergency situations.

Full Nelson: The Growing Threat Of Cyberwarfare

October 19, 2009
Many more casualities will pile up, but policy and agreements will prove meaningless against today's anonymous cyberwarrior.

SEC Charges Billionaire, Tech Execs With Insider Trading

October 16, 2009
Executives from IBM, Intel, and McKinsey are among those charged.

NASA Told To Plug IT Security Holes

October 16, 2009
The space agency has suffered hundreds of security incidents, including malware, data breaches, stolen laptops, and bot nets, according to the GAO.

Tech Investors, Execs Charged With Insider Trading

October 16, 2009
Prosecutors allege trades were made based on insider information about Akamai Technologies, AMD, Google, IBM, Polycom, and Sun Microsystems.

Lost USB Device Forces Virginia Into Damage Control, Again

October 15, 2009
A flash drive with more than 100,000 personal records has been misplaced by a researcher, while a new report finds widespread problems with the state's IT outsourcing deal.

NASA's Next Mission: The Tweetup

October 14, 2009
The space agency plans to host 100 Twitter users at Kennedy Space Center for next month's launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Former U.S. Health Dept. CIO Joins Agilex

October 14, 2009
Melissa Chapman joins Agilex Technologies to help manage the firm's work with the U.S. Health and Human Services Dept.

AT&T Cleared To Buy Centennial

October 14, 2009
The Justice Department has approved the $944 million deal, which will add about 1.1 million users to AT&T's rolls.

White House Confronts Barriers To Gov 2.0

October 14, 2009
Regulatory and technical requirements, including accessibility and electronic archiving, present unique challenges to bringing open government to the Web.

Government Technologist: Silicon Valley Goes Opaque

October 14, 2009
TechAmerica's closed-door annual conference around the U.S. government's IT spending plans is out of step with the Obama administration's transparency push.

Bandwidth Boost For Libraries Gaining Support

October 13, 2009
A plan to put fiber optic technology in public libraries may be a candidate for federal stimulus funding.

Defense Department Must Overhaul IT Buying Processes

October 12, 2009
New approaches to include early involvement of technology users, rapid upgrade capabilities, and a modular, open-systems approach.

Cyberwar Readiness Recast As Low Priority

October 12, 2009
Preparedness for cyberwar should have a place in U.S. defense planning, but resources are better spent on bolstering potentially vulnerable infrastructure, according to think tank RAND.

NASA Moon Bomb Stirs Up Cloud

October 9, 2009
Microsoft and Google will offer looks at LCROSS lunar impact on their Web platforms.

Navy Outlines Cybersecurity, Networking Plans

October 9, 2009
CIO Robert Carey lays out the Navy's IT plans for fiscal 2010, including cybersecurity initiatives, network architecture planning, and increased use of Web 2.0 tools.

Lawmakers Seek Google Voice Investigation

October 9, 2009

Following Review, VA Restarts Some IT Projects

October 9, 2009
CIO Roger Baker credits a new project management accountability system with facilitating decision making at the federal agency.

U.S. Intelligence Pulls Plug On Cross-Agency E-Mail System

October 8, 2009
The uGov system was hailed as a step toward collaboration among intelligence experts, but the system is being phased out amid security concerns.

How To Fix The GIS Data Mess

October 8, 2009
Despite thousands of data sources for geographic information systems, there's no universal standard or widespread, non-proprietary way to federate that data. It doesn't have to be this way.

IBM Mainframes Draw Antitrust Scrutiny

October 8, 2009
Trade group says it's been contacted by investigators seeking information on Big Blue's licensing practices.

FCC Chair Cites 'Spectrum Crisis'

October 8, 2009

Top Federal Contracts To Exceed $180 Billion In 2010

October 8, 2009
A new report estimates that the top 20 federal contracts, many laden with IT purchases, will be worth 50% more than last year's contracts.

Civilian Agencies Late On Insourcing Deadline

October 7, 2009
Nine federal agencies missed a Congressional deadline requiring them to draft guidelines aimed at reducing their reliance on outsourced services.

FCC Chair Cites 'Spectrum Crisis'

October 7, 2009
Mobile broadband and an 'open Internet' are priorities of the Federal Communications Commission, says chairman Julius Genachowski at CTIA meeting.

Obama Orders Federal IT To Get Greener

October 6, 2009
An Executive Order mandates that federal agencies implement green data center strategies, double-sided printing, and PC power management, as part of a broader sustainability push.

Federal Taskforce To Focus On Cybersecurity Metrics

October 5, 2009
Cross-agency taskforce will emphasize cybersecurity outcomes over compliance, says federal CIO Kundra

Federal Register Made Available In XML Format

October 5, 2009
With the introduction of an XML edition, the official journal of the U.S. government should be easier to access and use, while third parties will be able to apply the information in new ways.

FBI Warns Of Hijacked Social Network Accounts

October 5, 2009

Q&A: Steve Ballmer On Windows 7 Enterprise Deployment

October 3, 2009
In a one-on-one interview, Microsoft's CEO encouraged CIOs to carve out money for Windows 7, saying end users are going to demand it.

Practical Analysis: Research Shows Cutting Costs Not A Gov IT Priority

October 3, 2009
Government IT managers need resources and skilled workers, but they show limited interest in shared services.

Feds Award $27.8M For Rural E-Health

October 2, 2009
Department of Health and Human Services funding will go to implement electronic health records and other health IT initiatives.

Red Hat Asks Supreme Court To Nix Software Patents

October 2, 2009
"Our patent system is supposed to foster innovation, but for open source and software in general, it does the opposite," said a Red Hat lawyer.

Help Wanted: Homeland Security Seeks Cybersecurity Pros

October 1, 2009
Hiring has become a top priority for the Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity arm, a key player in the U.S. government's push to bolster online defenses.

Federal Stimulus-Tracking Site To Open APIs

October 1, 2009
Among the next steps for the recently revamped Recovery.gov are improved search, mapping, and mobile access, and open APIs.

US Agreement With ICANN Leaves Much Undone

October 1, 2009
The oversight of the Internet's infrastructure will become more international under a new government agreement with ICANN. But many concerns remain unresolved.

Federal Workers Banned From Texting While Driving

October 1, 2009
The ban on texting, sending e-mails, or using instant messaging programs while using a government vehicle aims to cut down on accidents.

National Broadband Could Cost $350 Billion

September 30, 2009
An FCC task force said costs are far higher than available funding, but the plan would produce major economic and social benefits.

TSA Awards $493 Million Contract To CSC

September 30, 2009
The Transportation Security Administration has replaced Unisys with Computer Sciences Corporation as its primary managed services provider.

Federal Contracting Databases Prone To Errors

September 30, 2009
The GSA will award a contract in October to re-architect databases rife with inaccuracies, duplications, and poor system capabilities.

IBM In Canadian E-Health Deal

September 30, 2009
Big Blue will create a database to store millions of digitized patient records.

New York Health System Launches $400M EMR Program

September 30, 2009
Major hospital network plans to deploy one of the largest electronic medical record initiatives in the nation.

Social Network GovLoop Sold To GovDelivery

September 29, 2009
The popular government social network's founder expects that the acquisition will give GovLoop more backing and a chance to grow its impact.

FCC Seeks Comment On Spectrum Needs

September 28, 2009
As more consumers use devices like the iPhone for mobile Internet services, the FCC is asking if there is enough licensed spectrum to handle it in the future.

Feds Refresh Stimulus Tracking Site

September 28, 2009
Recovery.gov now includes better mapping and navigation and more data, but roadblocks to a smooth launch remain.

Government CIO 50

September 28, 2009

The Government CIO 50: Driving Change In The Public Sector

September 26, 2009
InformationWeek's first-ever compilation of top CIOs in federal, state, and local government, and how they're managing new expectations.

Congress Mulls D Block Spectrum Fate

September 25, 2009
Lawmakers are trying -- again-- to create a wireless public safety communications network on the D Block of the 700 MHz spectrum.

Congressman 'Crowdsources' Healthcare Bill

September 25, 2009
Texas Republican John Culberson has posted the House healthcare bill online and invited constituents to annotate it using a Web 2.0 collaboration tool.

Nuclear Agency Network Falls Short Of Requirements

September 25, 2009
An internal investigation at the National Nuclear Security Administration blames network delays and cost overruns on poor planning and project management.

White Spaces Could Fetch $100 Billion

September 24, 2009
The unlicensed spectrum could be used to cheaply provide rural Internet and lead to a host of new devices.

Coverity Reports Reduction In Code Defects

September 24, 2009
The company started scanning open source code for reliability and integrity three years ago and has a Department of Homeland Security contract.

Department Of Defense Putting Data At Risk

September 24, 2009
Data deletion policies aren't being properly followed across the board, risking exposure of personal or sensitive data, report says.

iPhone To Enter South Korea

September 23, 2009
The country has long kept its mobile market closed in order to protect and improve LG Electronics and Samsung.

Meg Whitman Announces Gubernatorial Run

September 23, 2009
The former eBay CEO, a California Republican, vows to create private sector jobs and cut state payrolls.

Net Neutrality Opposed By State Legislators

September 23, 2009
The American Legislative Exchange Council asserts that regulating wireless and wired carriers in the same manner is "likely unconstitutional."

NASA Names CIO

September 23, 2009
Linda Cureton leaves her position as NASA Goddard's CIO to fill the space agency's top IT job.

Lab To Market Cloud-Based E-Health Record System

September 23, 2009
Practice Fusion's electronic health record system will be available free to BioReference Lab's 15,000 affiliated physicians.

FCC Head Net Neutrality Remarks Spark Reaction

September 22, 2009
The Federal Communications Commission Chair's suggestion that consumer protections applying to wired networks be extended to wireless networks elicits swift pushback.

GSA Devises Search Plan For Federal Web Sites

September 22, 2009
Dave McClure, the recently appointed GSA official responsible for GSA.gov and other sites, wants to make federal data more accessible across government Web sites.

Obama Promotes National Innovation Strategy

September 22, 2009
The president unveils a three-pronged plan to spur technology and business innovation in the United States.

FCC Chair's Net Neutrality Position Picks Up Support

September 21, 2009
The eventual approval of the free flow of Web content without blocking or slowing by broadband carriers or ISPs seems assured.

FCC Chair Preps Net Neutrality Speech

September 18, 2009
Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, is expected to support rules that would prevent carriers from interfering with traffic on their networks.

Google Plans Private Government Cloud

September 16, 2009
As the government moves to adopt cloud computing and considers limited use of free consumer services, Google is trying to address lingering concerns about security and control in the cloud.

Government Embraces Cloud Computing, Launches App Store

September 16, 2009

Government Steps Into The Cloud

September 15, 2009
In its first iteration, Apps.gov consists strictly of software-as-a-service applications or other Internet services.

Government Embraces Cloud Computing, Launches App Store

September 15, 2009
Cloud computing is coming to government agencies, bringing the hope of cost savings, greater efficiency, and innovation.

Top Cyber Security Risks Revealed

September 15, 2009
A report issued by The SANS Institute finds enterprise security efforts focused on fixing low-priority flaws at the expense of serious application vulnerabilities.

InformationWeek 500 No. 1 Company: CME Group

September 15, 2009
Parent of the Chicago Mercantile and other exchanges lives on technology as it drives into new markets.

InformationWeek 500: 10 Government Organizations That Understand IT Innovation

September 15, 2009
Cheaper, faster, better isn't just the rallying cry of the private sector.

IW500: U.S. Faces Innovation Challenge

September 14, 2009
At the InformationWeek 500, SAS CEO Jim Goodnight calls for better science and technology education in the United States.

U.S. Cellular Seeks Stimulus Grants

September 14, 2009
The wireless operator has applied for $23.5 million in federal stimulus dollars to expand 3G mobile broadband in rural areas.

IW500: Federal CIO Vivek Kundra Sees More Cloud Computing

September 14, 2009
In his keynote at the InformationWeek 500 Conference, Federal CIO Vivek Kundra points to new transparency and performance management initiatives.

Lawmaker: Broadband Funds Exclude Appalachia

September 11, 2009
Communities isolated by mountains, but geographically near populated areas don't qualify for federal stimulus funding.

Ford Supports Ban On Texting While Driving

September 11, 2009
The automaker joins Verizon Wireless in supporting federal legislation banning drivers from text messaging.

Microsoft-Yahoo Deal Draws Antitrust Look

September 11, 2009
Department of Justice seeks additional documents relating to search agreement.

Gov 2.0: Roadblocks Remain For Transparency

September 11, 2009

Gov 2.0: Army Announces Apps For Army Competition

September 10, 2009
At the Gov 2.0 Summit, the Army unveiled a competition encouraging soldiers to build open source software that can be shared across the military.

Gov 2.0: Roadblocks Remain For Transparency

September 10, 2009
Speaking at the Gov 2.0 Summit, federal CIO Vivek Kundra said infrastructure upgrades will likely be required.

Gov 2.0: Obama Team Details 'Open Government' Progress

September 10, 2009
At the Gov 2.0 Summit, federal deputy CTO Beth Noveck detailed what is being done to make government data more widely available.

Healthcare Market Hot For IT Staffing

September 10, 2009
The details of the federal government's HITECH stimulus legislation are not final, but healthcare organizations are getting their IT teams in order now.

Gov. 2.0 Coverage; Valley View TV Live

September 10, 2009

Gov 2.0: Open Government Directive Nearly Ready

September 9, 2009
At the Gov 2.0 Summit, federal CTO Aneesh Chopra said the order, due soon, will outline steps agencies can take to be 'hardwired' for transparency, collaboration, and participatory government.

Gov 2.0: FBI Official Fills In As Acting Cybersecurity Chief

September 9, 2009
The FBI's Chris Painter steps in temporarily as federal CTO Aneesh Chopra expects a permanent appointee to be named in the "not too distant future."

Gov 2.0: Ten Companies Bring Open Identity To Government

September 9, 2009
Moving to make make online government resources both more social and more private, a coalition of companies has committed to supporting OpenID and Information Cards at federal Web sites.

CCHIT Rolls Out Preliminary E-Health Certification

September 8, 2009
New certification from the Certification Commission for Health IT comes as the industry waits for government's final "meaningful use" definition.

Social Security Administration Names New CIO

September 8, 2009
The agency's new IT leader, Frank Baitman, inherits a variety of tech initiatives, including a claims processing system upgrade, healthcare IT, and building a new data center.

EDS Wins Defense Healthcare Contract

September 8, 2009
HP's outsourcing unit will upgrade DoD's Health Information Management Systems network.

U.S., Mexico To Build Cross-Border Network

September 4, 2009
U.S. and Mexican agencies will work together to build a voice, data, and video network that will be used for cross-border public safety and law enforcement.

Federal Agencies Plan To Hire Thousands Of IT Pros

September 4, 2009
A new survey shows that hiring by major federal agencies will rise a modest 1.7% each of the next few years, though that doesn't reflect job demand in intelligence agencies and smaller agencies.

FBI Investigates Laptops Sent To Governors

September 3, 2009
State officials fear the unsolicited computers could contain malware meant to penetrate the security of state or federal networks.

Regulators Mull Freeing Spectrum

September 3, 2009
The FCC's National Broadband Plan may include making more wireless spectrum available.

Wi-Fi Bids For NYC Rails Flourish

September 3, 2009
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority has received Wi-Fi proposals from telecom providers Cablevision, Sprint Nextel, and Verizon, among others.

Space Junk Hurtles Toward ISS

September 3, 2009
Orbiting debris poses impact risk to astronauts aboard space station.

Federal Agencies Urged To Hasten Network Transitions

September 3, 2009
U.S. government's top IT procurement official prods agencies to move faster to network products and services covered under the Networx contracts.

L.A. Fires Spare Cell Phone Towers

September 2, 2009
The huge blaze threatening a thicket of cell phone and broadcast towers near Los Angeles abated somewhat Wednesday.

Raytheon To Buy Internet Pioneer, BBN

September 2, 2009
BBN has government contracts covering advanced networking, information technologies, sensor systems, and cybersecurity.

Astronauts Complete Overnight Spacewalk

September 2, 2009
Discovery crewmembers Olivas and Stott handle tricky tank replacement.

HHS Funding Health Information Project

September 1, 2009
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services has awarded a $1.2 million grant to help states adopt, plan, and deploy health information exchanges.

GSA Wants Bigger Role In Fed IT Spending

September 1, 2009
Federal agencies spend $22 billion annually on IT purchases made through the General Services Administration via government-wide contract vehicles.

L.A. Wildfires Close In On Cellular Towers

September 1, 2009
If flames engulf Mt. Wilson, cell phone service to the public and to emergency service providers would be disrupted.

Shuttle Drops 'Stephen Colbert' At ISS

September 1, 2009
Discovery astronauts will undertake mission's first spacewalk following cargo delivery.

VA CIO Eyes 'Big' Changes, Challenges

August 31, 2009
A Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general report finds "systemic" problems in IT project management at the agency.

Northrop Months Late On Virginia Outsourcing

August 31, 2009
Contractor submits "corrective action plan" to state IT officials in bid to get deal back on track.

NASA Eyes Shuttle Heat Shield

August 31, 2009
Discovery and ISS crew members trade places in space following safety check.

DHS Clarifies Laptop Border Searches

August 28, 2009
The new rules leave open the possibility that travelers may face penalties for refusing to provide passwords or encryption keys.

FCC Probes Wireless Industry Competition

August 28, 2009
With inquiries into spectrum availability and consumer protections, the Federal Communications Commission assumes a bigger role in shaping the framework for mobile networks.

More States Ban Texting While Driving

August 27, 2009
Illinois and Missouri are the latest states to outlaw sending text messages or e-mails while operating a motor vehicle.

Federal Health IT Coding Event Draws Developers

August 27, 2009
Open software designed to link health IT systems to the developing national health IT network is attracting interest.

Q&A: DHS Cybersecurity Chiefs Speak Out

August 27, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security aims to grow its cybersecurity workforce and technical capabilities, Phil Reitinger and Greg Schaffer say.

Graphic U.K. Video Targets Texting While Driving

August 27, 2009
The video shows happy texting-while-driving teens getting into a violent car crash.

FairPoint Charged With Faking Tests

August 26, 2009
Regulators are investigating an alleged insider's claim that FairPoint falsified the tests that showed its readiness to take over Verizon's New England landlines.

Stimulus Funds Sought For Muni Wi-Fi

August 26, 2009
Champion Broadband has partnered with Monrovia, California to apply for $2.7 million to improve broadband penetration.

It's TGIF For 'Colbert Shuttle'

August 26, 2009
NASA now hopes to launch Discovery and COLBERT exercise device on Friday.

No Joke: 'Colbert' Shuttle Grounded

August 25, 2009
Faulty valve means Discovery and the COLBERT exercise device are grounded for second straight day.

White House Overhauls Cybersecurity Reporting

August 25, 2009
Federal agencies will be required to submit standardized cybersecurity reports via new software, rather than spreadsheets.

Shuttle's 'Colbert Flight' Scrubbed

August 25, 2009
Thunderstorms force NASA to keep Discovery and the COLBERT treadmill on launch pad for at least one more day.

Federal Agencies Pursue Cybersecurity Common Ground

August 24, 2009
NIST is working with defense and intelligence agencies to develop cybersecurity specifications that could be applied across government.

CDC Readies Internet Barrage To Combat Swine Flu

August 24, 2009
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control uses a range of Internet services, including Twitter, YouTube, and even games, to help spread flu-protection messages.

Shuttle Set For Dramatic Night Launch

August 24, 2009
NASA's Discovery is ready to light up the sky in Southeast Florida early Tuesday.

What Is Broadband? FCC Wants To Know

August 21, 2009
The federal agency wants to develop accurate and uniform definitions for broadband to help in its development of a national broadband plan.

Defense Info Agency Open-Sources Its Web Apps

August 21, 2009
Working with the Open Source Software Institute, the U.S. military's IT agency hopes to create a model for open sourcing other government-developed software.

VA Reports Detail Misconduct By IT Officials

August 21, 2009
Abuse of authority, nepotism, and other HR violations are among the findings of two reports issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general.

Oracle, Sun Deal Approved By Justice Dept.

August 21, 2009
The Justice Department ruling came earlier than expected, a possible response to Sun Microsystems' declining revenues in a steep recession.

U.S. Allocates $1.2 Billion For Electronic Medical Records

August 21, 2009
The grants will go to regional centers to support implementing electronic health records, as well as state grants to share information nationwide.

Ericsson-Nortel Deal Nearly Complete

August 20, 2009
RIM's appeal to the Canadian government to stop the $1.13 billion acquisition appears to be falling on deaf ears.

Army Uses SaaS To Gauge Carbon 'Boot Print'

August 20, 2009
An expanded pilot program aims to cut costs and gas emissions and increase environmental compliance through use of standardized processes.

Rural Broadband Deployment Booming

August 20, 2009
Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have been earmarked for the expansion of broadband penetration.

Broadband Initiative To Link Colorado Hospitals

August 19, 2009
Clinicians in 400 rural healthcare facilities will be able to tap expertise at larger medical centers.

Shuttle To Carry 'Stephen Colbert' Into Space

August 19, 2009
Discovery's next mission payload includes exercise device named after comedian.

EU Invests In 4G Tech

August 19, 2009
The Long-Term Evolution networks could provide up to 100 times the mobile connectivity speeds of 3G networks.

Former Gartner Exec To Lead GSA's Online Outreach

August 19, 2009
A veteran of government IT, Dave McClure will manage USA.gov, the primary portal through which the General Services Administration shares information with the public.

CSC Wins ATC Contracts

August 19, 2009
Outsourcer will provide FAA-approved training systems at four universities.

IBM Turns RFID, Sensor Data Into Actions

August 18, 2009
Data collected from networked sensors on highways and across power grids can be used by governments and utilities to make decisions.

HIT Certification Committee Still In Play

August 18, 2009
Critics have complained that the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology is too closely aligned with large EMR vendors.

White House Closes 'Disinformation' Tip Box

August 18, 2009
The controversy over flag@whitehouse.gov began soon after it was launched on August 4.

Life On Earth May Be Extraterrestrial

August 18, 2009
NASA discovery of amino acid on comet suggests ingredients for organic proteins came from outer space.

Cyber Attack Against Georgia Blurred Civilian And Military

August 17, 2009
Last year's cyber assault against Georgia represents a template for civilian involvement in military action.

Feds Launch Stimulus Reporting Site

August 17, 2009
FederalReporting.gov collects a slew of data from stimulus recipients and sends it off to be posted on Recovery.gov.

Nine Lessons Learned From E-Medical Record Veterans

August 15, 2009
EMR systems come with huge challenges. But the payoff is much larger when you're talking about improving people's health and saving lives.

Feds To Use Wiki For Cybersecurity Collaboration

August 14, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies will use the platform to share operational information on cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Broadband Stimulus A No-Go For Big Carriers

August 14, 2009
AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon Communications aren't expected to participate in the first round of government funding.

Homeland Security Expands Biometric Security Program

August 14, 2009
Global Entry program, which speeds international travelers through airport security checks, is expanding to more airports.

Report: NIST's Cybersecurity Guidelines Aren't Enough

August 13, 2009
The Cyber Secure Institute finds that NIST's recently released cybersecurity recommendations may leave some federal systems inadequately protected.

Automated System Backfires On Social Security Administration

August 12, 2009
Following a lawsuit, the agency has agreed to pay $500 million in benefits that had been improperly withheld, and it will use human intermediaries to ensure accuracy.

Signs Of Support For DoD 2.0

August 12, 2009
The Department of Defense's new Web 2.0 Guidance Forum is intended to help shape the military's policy on use of social networking tools.

Social Security To Put $24 Million Into EMRs

August 12, 2009
The Social Security Administration plans to make wider use of electronic medical records to process disability applications.

FairPoint Grilled By Regulators

August 11, 2009
Vermont is considering revoking FairPoint's license to run the landline and Internet assets it acquired from Verizon, given the volume of customer complaints.

Perseids Like Celestial Bug Splatter

August 11, 2009
NASA says meteors become most visible when they collide with and streak across Earth's atmosphere.

IBM Exec Takes Patent And Trademark Hot Seat

August 10, 2009
Former IBM lawyer David Kappos takes the reins at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which is under pressure to reform amid a backlog of patent applications.

Another U.S. Cybersecurity Official Resigns

August 10, 2009
The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team's director calls it quits, while a national cybersecurity czar has yet to be named by the Obama administration.