Author Archive

Doug Beizer

Doug Beizer is a staff writer for Federal Computer Week.
Digital Government

About Face(book): Marines lift ban on social networking

Marine Corps officials lifted a ban for marines on using social networking Web sites on the service’s non-secret network, according to a memo.

Digital Government

Lawmaker wants more technology for transparency

A new House bill would require the use of technologies to increase disclosures from lobbyists and lawmakers.

Digital Government

Social networking still a learning experience for agencies

Using new social media tools is still new to federal agencies and minor problems and missteps should be expected, several officials said today at the FOSE trade show.

Digital Government

Social media likely coming to Vets health portal

Veterans Affairs officials plan to add social-media style tools to the portal veterans use to access health records, a VA officials said today at the 2010 FOSE conference.

Digital Government

NASA launches mission simulator Web site

NASA launches an online simulator that lets anybody pilot the space shuttle and view how space communications works.

Digital Government

White House memo: Public contests can drive innovation

The Obama administration plans to provide agencies with a Web platform for conducting public challenges.

Digital Government

Census allows little time to build networks for temporary offices

Computer networks had to be installed at more than 500 temporary Census offices across the country for the 2010 count.

Cybersecurity

Military still gives thumbs down to thumb drives

Despite relaxing the all out ban on using portable storage devices on Defense Department computer systems, it appears thumb drives will not return to the military services anytime soon.

Digital Government

NTIA seeks help in meeting open government mandates

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is looking for a contractor to build content management and social networking Web sites in its effort to become more open and transparent.

Infrastructure

DOD issues long-awaited social media policy

DOD issues a memo to address longstanding uncertainties about the use of social media and networks within defense agencies and military branches.

Cybersecurity

DOD details strict flash drive rules

A DOD policy that bans using flash drives was relaxed recently because of adjustments made to Defense Department computer systems. But that doesn't mean there are no more limitations on their use.

Infrastructure

Washington's snow response GIS mapping system gets a workout

D.C.'s Snow Response Reporting System lets users type in an address and see which surrounding streets have been plowed or salted within a specified date range.

Digital Government

GSA's new administrator sworn in by phone during snowstorm

A record snowstorm forced Martha Johnson to be sworn in over the phone as the General Services Administration's new administrator, with her husband serving as the witness, according to GSA.

Digital Government

Army awards logistics modernization contract

The Army plans to use software from IFS North America for the Logistics Modernization Program underway at all Army arsenals, depots and ammunition plants.

Digital Government

Takai qualified for DOD CIO post, say former leaders

California CIO Teri Takai, the expected nominee as the Defense Department's chief information officer, has a proven track record in IT leadership, but the military poses a new set of challenges.

Infrastructure

Cloud-computing success depends on knowing what to ask

One of cloud computing's most attractive features -- the ability to pool resources -- could be the biggest impediment to implementing the technology for the federal government.

Digital Government

Obama wants nearly $80B for IT projects

The administration has proposed only a small increase for IT spending in fiscal 2011.

Emerging Tech

NASA plans live video feed from space

NASA plans to stream live video from the International Space Station and broadcast it on the Internet beginning Feb. 1.

Digital Government

NOAA, Google partner on data visualization project

NOAA and Google will develop the visualization of NOAA's data by using Google’s software.

Infrastructure

GSA offers Web-based public dialogue tool

GSA is offering federal agencies a free, Web-based public dialogue tool designed for open-government Web sites.