December 7 Enterprise Architecture
There are many similar concepts behind enterprise architecture (EA) and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) methodologies. EA has been a fixture on the government IT and capital planning scene for years, and now ITIL is catching on as a way to improve IT management processes. This story will highlight the similarities between EA and ITIL and the opportunities for leveraging common efforts across both methodologies.
Writer: dave AT dperera DOT com
December 7 Smart Manager’s Guide
As agencies weigh shifting elements of their IT infrastructure to a third-party cloud computing provider, the ability to write effective contract service level agreements around security and performance issues becomes critical. Learn what service metrics and non-performance sanctions should be part of any cloud contract.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
Posted on Oct 29, 2009 at 12:51 PM0 comments
November 16 Program Management **
Learn how Web 2.0 and social networking tools are adding a valuable new dimension to traditional project management practices. Get tips for improving planning, collaboration and communication.
Writer: Brian Robinson, brian AT hullite DOT com
**This story was originally scheduled to run in the November 9th issue, but will now appear in the November 16th issue instead.
Posted on Oct 19, 2009 at 2:10 PM0 comments
November 16 Security
What does it take to make for an effective government chief information security officer? Many experts think this role is critical in setting and enforcing an agency’s cyber security policy, but concede that in practice the results are mixed if the CISO doesn’t have sufficient authority or resources to do the job (and many don’t). This roundtable of government CISOs will offer insights and personal experience on these important issues.
Writer: John Moore, jmwriter AT twcny DOT rr DOT com
Posted on Oct 08, 2009 at 1:26 PM0 comments
November 2 CXO Lessons Learned: Earned value management
Earned value management has found a solid role in the government project management toolbox, yet not all of its practitioners achieve equal success using the methodology. This article will highlight the most common mistakes of using EVM for government projects and provide tips for how to avoid making them.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
November 2 Compliance Report: FISMA
Meeting the reporting requirements of the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) has been an onerous, time consuming task for agency IT executives. This story will look at techniques for reducing the burden of FISMA reporting requirements through the use of automation, primarily tools that utilize the Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP).
Writer: John Moore, jmwriter AT twcny DOT rr DOT com
Posted on Oct 08, 2009 at 1:23 PM0 comments
October 5 Special Report: Green IT
How green is your data? The story will look at the connection between data management practices and green IT objectives. It will look at efforts to develop a green business maturity model, which includes data management as one of the dimensions of the model. Using such a model, agencies can assess the environmental/energy costs of mismanaging data.
Writer: John Moore, jmwriter AT twcny DOT rr DOT com
October 5 Spotlight: Web 2.0
A look at how government might use a technology called sentiment analysis to analyze public opinion as expressed on blog posts, Facebook pages, Twitter tweets and the like.
Writer: Story complete
Posted on Sep 23, 2009 at 8:15 AM0 comments
October 19 CXO Lessons Learned: Agile Development
Is agile development a fit for government IT? Critics say the iterative software development approach is too risky for the public sector, yet there are pockets within the government firmly committed to it. This explainer will highlight the risks and rewards of agile and related practices.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
Posted on Sep 23, 2009 at 8:18 AM0 comments
September 14 FCW Report on Emergency Management/COOP
This story will examine what makes for an effective test of IT-enabled emergency management systems and procedures, including pre-test planning, conducting the test itself, and post-test analysis. The story will take special note of tests of emergency response management systems based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) guidelines.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
Posted on Aug 17, 2009 at 2:28 PM0 comments
**September 28
Due to a change in the editorial calendar, the coverage scheduled for the September 7th and September 28th issue will swap places. Here are the new topics for the September 28th issue:
September 28 Special Report: Reinventing the IT Infrastructure
When designing their next generation data centers, federal agencies should think like a cloud if they want to build the most flexible, cost effective operation possible. This story will cover why one would want to model an internal datacenter like a cloud, how to do it, and what stands in the way of doing so.
Writer: Brian Robinson, brian AT hullite DOT com
September 28 Smart Manager’s Guide
How do busy government IT executives keep on top of all the information they need to know do their jobs? Here is a list of the information sources, good habits and tricks that can help manage the fire hose of information available in today’s world.
Writer: John Moore, jmwriter AT twcny DOT rr DOT com
Posted on Aug 17, 2009 at 2:35 PM0 comments
September 21 360 Report: Network Centric Operations
Service oriented architecture is supposed to be a key underpinning of network-centric operations, but SOA has come into criticism in recent months for not delivering on several key promises, with one analyst going so far as to declare it dead. What does this mean for network-centric operations, and will the Defense Department look for other approaches or adjust SOA to address deficiencies?
Writer: John Moore, jmwriter AT twcny DOT rr DOT com
Posted on Aug 17, 2009 at 2:32 PM0 comments
September 7 **
Due to a change in the editorial calendar, the coverage scheduled for the September 7th and September 28th issue will swap places. The September 7 issue will now feature FCW’s annual Federal List coverage. Here are the stories we are working on and contact information.
5 pros and 5 cons of social media for the DOD
Writer: Amber Corrin, acorrin AT 1105govinfo DOT com
Cyberczar to-do list. The top five things on the cyber coordinator's agenda.
Writer: Ben Bain, bbain AT 1105govinfo DOT com
Health IT list
Writer: Alice Lipowicz, alipowicz AT 1105govinfo DOT com
Acquisition reform list
Writer: Matthew Weigelt, mweigelt AT 1105govinfo DOT com
Posted on Aug 17, 2009 at 2:28 PM0 comments
August 10 Telework
Despite broad policy support for expanding the ranks of government teleworkers, many agencies still have only modest numbers of employees who work from home. In this roundtable with managers of several successful government telework programs, FCW finds out how they overcame the technical, cultural and policy challenges that have held back other agencies’ efforts.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
Posted on Jul 21, 2009 at 8:34 AM0 comments
August 10 Compliance Report: HSPD-12
As some agencies still scramble to issue computerized identification cards to all their employees and contractors as required under this five-year old executive order, others have moved beyond initial enrollment efforts to develop more advanced uses for the smart cards. Learn how these agencies are improving security and operational efficiency through integrated smart card applications.
Writer: Brian Robinson, brian AT hullite DOT com
Posted on Jul 21, 2009 at 8:38 AM0 comments
July 27 Security
For how long would you be comfortable with an ex-employee or contractor
from a completed project still having full access to your agency’s IT systems
and other assets? The truth is many agencies lack procedures and systems for
handling this expediently, placing agencies at unnecessary risk. Find out what it
takes to build a through, end-to-end employee separation process.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
July 20 360 Report: Data
Consolidation and Information Sharing
The Obama administration seeks to create new levels of openness,
transparency and collaboration in government. Many experts believe that
semantic Web technology will be a linchpin of these efforts, and the foundation
for the next generation of Internet applications called Web 3.0. This primer
will explain how semantic technology can be used for applications like
Obama’s new Data.gov Web site and what readers will need to do now to
start preparing their agencies for the semantic Web.
Writer: John Moore, jmwriter AT
twcny DOT rr DOT com
July 6 Special Report: Reinventing
the IT Infrastructure
Having already deployed server virtualization in the data center, many
agencies are now exploring the security, cost and management benefits that can
be achieved through virtualizing users’ desktop computers. However,
unlike server virtualization, there are multiple desktop virtualization approaches
from which to choose. This story will help FCW readers understand the pros and
cons of the main desktop virtualization options for their particular computing environments
and management objectives.
Writer: John Moore, jmwriter AT
twcny DOT rr DOT com
June 22 360 Report: IT Security
The issue of mandatory licensing and certification for cybersecurity
professionals working on government systems has taken center stage, with a new
measure in the Senate and President Obama’s cybersecurity review expected
to address it. This story will cover the debate about the value/feasibility of
requiring such certifications and provide a guide to the most meaningful
certifications of the dozens of training programs available.
Writer: Ben Bain, bbain AT 1105govinfo DOT com
June 15 COOP
Many agency continuity-of-operations plans (COOP) rely on expensive backup
equipment and infrastructure that, in the ironic nature of disaster planning, officials
hope they never have to use. Learn how some government outfits are finding ways
to tap COOP capabilities for more ordinary tasks, such as routine data and
system migrations. Such dual use can let agencies build more robust COOP
systems while also improving the overall return on investment.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
June 8 **Change** Web 2.0
The “Financial Management” and “Compliance Report:
FOIA” topics originally scheduled for this issue are being postponed
until a future date. Instead, this will be a special issue dedicated to Web 2.0
in government. Contact appropriate beat reporters and section editors if you
have sources/information related to Web 2.0 in government. FCW beat list and
contact information is available here: http://www.1105govinfo.com/about/staff.html
May 18 360 Report: The First 100 Days
FCW will assess the Obama administration’s impact on five
critical areas: government 2.0, transparency/oversight, contracting, workforce
and health IT. Please contact appropriate FCW reporters/editors if you have
sources able to comment. FCW beat list and contact information is available
here: http://www.1105govinfo.com/about/staff.html
May 18 DOD Spotlight
Story is already completed.
May 4 Special Report: Homeland Security
Some
experts say that a system built upon self-identifying information that
is more easily found by people who need it is the answer to the
government’s data sharing problems.
Along these lines, a new
intelligence community policy calls for making information easier to
discover and disseminate. How does this approach differ from
traditional data sharing practices, how easy or difficult will it be to
achieve, and is it the right solution for every data sharing problem?
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
Posted on Jan 22, 2009 at 11:24 AM0 comments
November 17: Exec-Tech
How high energy prices are prompting government to look anew at smart transportation technologies.
Contact: John Zyskowski, jzyskowski AT 1105govinfo DOT com
November 17 CXO Lessons Learned
Government officials are starting to discover that embracing new technology can be a powerful recruiting tool for reaching tech-savvy young people. Through examples like the Army Experience Center located in a Philadelphia shopping mall, learn how government can showcase its tech skills to the next generation of service members and civilian employees.
Writer: Doug Beizer, dbeizer AT 1105govinfo DOT com
December 8: Special Report: Homeland Security
Unlike traditional technology projects focused on cutting costs or increasing productivity, homeland security IT programs must succeed in an environment characterized by urgent security concerns and often controversial policies. How do government IT executives stay the course when policy and technology needs diverge?
Writer: Ben Bain, bbain AT 1105govinfo DOT com
December 8: Smart Managers Guide
When it comes to server virtualization, the question is not “if” but “when” agencies will deploy this cost-saving new technology. Virtualization can mean many changes for how IT departments have operated for the past ten to fifteen years. This story will tell executives what changes to expect and provide tips for making a virtualization deployment successful.
Writer: Alan Joch, ajoch AT worldpath DOT net
December 15: Exec Tech
Learn why appropriate use policies are important to keep employees’ Internet and e-mail usage productive and to avoid security and legal liability problems. Find out what the policy should cover and the types of tools that can help enforce such policies.
Contact: John Zyskowski, jzyskowski AT 1105govinfo DOT com
December 15: 2008 Year In Review
Contact appropriate beat reporters directly by e-mail (see FCW.com for addresses) with suggestions and leads for analysis of top policy, management and procurement issues during the Bush administration. Examples include enterprise architecture, telework, privacy versus security, FISMA, agency scorecards, etc.
Posted on Oct 31, 2008 at 9:41 AM0 comments
Sept. 8: 360-degree Report: Emergency ManagementThis story will look at how technology such as geospatial information systems are being used to support urban and regional mass evacuation plans. The report will highlight successful strategies for coordinating different levels of government and jurisdictions, involving key private sector partners and integrating technology into the efforts.
Writer: Ben Bain (bbain AT 1105govinfo DOT com)
Sept. 15: Program Management
Tight budgets that require agencies to do more with less. A push towards e-government built upon increasingly complex IT projects. More and more government activities outsourced to commercial contractors. These trends are making program management one of the most important and most difficult jobs in the government. How is government responding to these historic changes? What strategies are working and which are not?
Writer: Alan Joch (ajoch AT worldpath DOT net)
Sept. 15: Exec-Tech – MashupsA growing number of government agencies are exploring the use of mashups – independent, Web-based software application and database components that are coordinated into a single, useful application. This story will explain how mashups work, who’s using them, and tips for getting started.
Writer: John Moore (jmwriter AT twcny DOT rr DOT com)
Sept. 22: Security Series Part IA presidential order earlier this year launched the National Cybersecurity Initiative. Public information about the initiative is still extremely limited, but the program is expected to involve significant changes to how the government operates and monitors the security for its data networks. These changes, and the cost and secrecy surrounding the program, have raised concerns in some quarters.
What will this initiative mean for agencies across government and the way they manage their cybersecurity defenses? And is the program the most effective way to address the growing threats from state-based and independent online attackers?
Writer: Brian Robinson (brian AT hullite DOT com)
Sept. 29: Security Series Part IISocial media, blogs, podcasts, wikis and other Web 2.0 interactive tools allow government to work and connect with citizens and other partners in powerful new ways. But do these tools expose agencies to new security vulnerabilities? Learn how some pioneering agencies have assessed and addressed the security issues associated with these new applications.
Writer: John Moore (jmwriter AT twcny DOT rr DOT com)
Oct. 6: Security Series Part IIICybersecurity is a linchpin of modern government operations, yet it is also one of the most challenging areas in terms of technology complexity, policy compliance and staff expertise and management. These factors explain why there is growing government interest in tapping outside expertise in the form of managed security services. This story will identify those cybersecurity systems, operations and related procedures that can be outsourced most successfully. It will also provide tips for selecting providers and managing contractor performance.
Writer: Douglas Beizer (dbeizer AT1105govinfo DOT com)
Posted on Sep 02, 2008 at 9:18 AM0 comments