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Russell Nichols

Staff Writer


RECENT ARTICLES

October 27, 2010

Can Strategic Sourcing Efforts Streamline Procurement?

Despite the New York state comptroller’s rejection of a $7.5 billion IT staff augmentation consulting contract, the State CIO/Office for Technology stands by its cost methodology.
October 27, 2010

Biometric Devices Help New Jersey County Track Delivery of Homeless Services

Bergen County, N.J., uses fingerprint scanners to accurately deliver social services to the homeless.
October 26, 2010

Smart Cameras Aim to Stop Crimes Before They Occur

East Orange, N.J., Police Department uses surveillance cameras, sensor technology and predictive analytics to identify crimes before they happen.
October 15, 2010

Montana Data Center Blows Hot Air to Keep Servers Cool

Montana officials believe it’s the first U.S. state to install a ‘heat wheel’ in its data center, which uses climate control technology to keep server temperatures and costs down.
October 13, 2010

Can Surveillance Cameras With ‘Eyelids’ Prevent Crime, Protect Privacy?

The Marshfield, Mass., Police Department has deployed more than a dozen video cameras in high-risk public buildings to secure town infrastructure.
October 8, 2010

Google Apps Wins Support in Smaller Governments Too

As state and local governments debate the security and potential cost savings of private data storage, Greenwood County, S.C., migrated to a Google Apps solution.
October 7, 2010

First Responders Looking Forward to New 4G Network

By the end of 2010, Verizon plans to launch a massive long term evolution (LTE) network, reaching 110 million Americans in 38 major markets across the country.
October 5, 2010

Agencies Contract With Private Sponsors to Fund State and Local Properties

State and local agencies seek ad space and sponsors to keep afloat financially.
October 4, 2010

Microsoft Cloud Helps Deliver Virtual Ballots to Voters Overseas

By hosting technology on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, Democracy Live enhances online absentee ballot tools for Americans abroad.
September 30, 2010

New Jersey Eyes Future With Traffic Forecasts

By early 2011, motorists on two of America’s busiest roadways will have access to a high-tech tool that forecasts potential traffic jams up to 10 minutes in advance.
September 28, 2010

Bar Codes Enhance Tax Services in Madison County, Ky.

With bar codes on tax bills and an upgraded online tax search, the Madison County, Ky., Sheriff’s Department hopes to streamline services for taxpayers this season.
September 27, 2010

Minnesota Launches Landmark Microsoft Cloud Collaboration

Office of Enterprise Technology signs agreement to make Minnesota the first U.S. state to house key business applications in a private cloud, officials say.
September 22, 2010

The Most Active U.S. Cities on Twitter

Social media use in the private sector mirrors government trends, according to survey analysts.
September 20, 2010

Neighborhood Watch Goes Digital in Ramsey County, Minn.

Ramsey County Sheriff's Office lets public view real-time footage from 10 surveillance cameras to help prevent crime.
September 17, 2010

Arlington County, Va., to Switch Streetlights to LEDs

Arlington County expects light-emitting diodes to save more than $1 million per year and benefit the environment.
September 15, 2010

Minnesota’s First CIO, Gopal Khanna, to Resign in December

Gopal Khanna will leave his post on Dec. 15, wrapping up five years of service, in which he helped save the state $200 million.
September 14, 2010

35 Stimulus Investments to Fund State Broadband Projects

In the second round of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program award announcements, the feds dole out $482 million to help states expand broadband infrastructure and access to millions of homes, businesses and institutions.
September 13, 2010

Chattanooga, Tenn., Gets Pricey 1 Gbps Broadband

Ultra-high speed broadband service costs $350 per month in Chattanooga, Tenn., so it’s targeted at businesses rather than households.
September 9, 2010

Mobile App Helps Jefferson County, Colo., Inspectors in Aftermath of Big Hailstorm

In the aftermath of hailstorms, local inspectors and other remote staff use mobile technology to access and file reports from the field.
September 7, 2010

Boone County, Ill., Revamps Website at No Additional Cost

Boone County's website makes it easier for departments to upload news, announcements and vital emergency information to the public.
September 2, 2010

Google Earth Helps Identify Code Violators in Mecklenburg County, N.C.

With aerial imaging technology, code enforcement officials can verify complaints from residents about neighborhood violations.
September 1, 2010

Wisconsin Bans Trashing of Electronics

Residents in Wisconsin must recycle discarded computers, cell phones and other devices to prevent pollution as part of statewide recycling program that eases financial strain on local governments.
August 31, 2010

Amazon Kindles Connect Rural Libraries to Digital World

Georgetown County, S.C., brings 25 of the popular Kindle wireless reading devices to local libraries as part of ongoing push to adopt new technologies and improve youth literacy.
August 30, 2010

Durham County, N.C., Launches Online Mapping Platform

Planning and GIS teams launch new mapping site to help residents and developers find data for nearly every local cemetery, billboard and cell tower.
August 25, 2010

Los Angeles County Jail to Heat Up Misbehaving Inmates with Target Wave Technology

As part of an evaluation test, a military-based device transmits invisible beam that creates temporary heating sensation, which lets jail officials intervene in brawls sooner.
August 24, 2010

California to Deploy Nation's First Mass Mobile Alert System

California and Sprint will team up to deploy system that aims to save lives and protect property by delivering warnings and safety information via text alerts to wireless phones in specified locations.
August 23, 2010

Online Transparency Remains a Priority Despite Slight Decline in Citizen Satisfaction

E-government transparency drops a point in the second quarter of 2010, according to the E-Government Transparency Index report from ForeSee Results.
August 20, 2010

California Receives $205 Million for Broadband Projects, Launches Telehealth Network

With federal stimulus funding for seven broadband projects, state officials believe California is one step closer to plugging broadband gaps in remote and rural areas.
August 18, 2010

IPads, Text Messaging Enhances Communication Efforts in Williamsburg, Va.

City officials seek to increase efficiency and interactivity with iPads for city council members and a new 411 texting service for citizens.
August 17, 2010

Is Google Earth Eyeing Your Pool?

Facing backlash from privacy advocates, Riverhead, N.Y., has stopped using the free satellite imaging service to find pools that don't have proper permits.
August 17, 2010

Melodie Mayberry-Stewart Blazes a Trail as New York State CIO

The first black female CIO of New York state went from living in housing projects to launching statewide IT projects.
August 16, 2010

Shelby County, Tenn., Deploys Mobile Cashiers, Processes $1.1 Million in Property Taxes

Innovative program sends tax collectors into the community with tech tools to reach taxpayers who prefer personal assistance.
August 16, 2010

Mobile App Helps Emergency Crews Assess Damage During Disasters

Santa Rosa County, Fla. used a mobile app to track the flow of the BP oil spill, plans to use the tool for hurricanes and other emergency situations.
August 12, 2010

Milwaukee County Begins IT Overhaul with Online Legislative Access Program

With new software, Milwaukee County officials expect to save money, reduce paper and provide citizens with more access to government affairs.
August 11, 2010

Cape Coral, Fla., Saves Money With Online Database for Commercial Properties

Cape Coral, Fla., expects to save $27,000 a year by subscribing to a national online company that tracks verified commercial property inventory.
August 10, 2010

Technology Bolsters Arizona's Border Security Efforts

With tools that can scan miles of rough terrain, identify bodies by heat signatures and pick up vibrations in the ground, border patrol agents can extend protection to cover large areas.
August 9, 2010

Hinds County, Miss., Imposes Surcharge on 911 Calls via Internet-Based Phones

The new $1 monthly fee on Internet-based phone service will help Hinds County, Miss., pay for emergency services, such as new technology, call towers and dispatching upgrades.
August 6, 2010

California Deploys Strategic Plan to Upgrade 911 System

California officials move forward with program to develop next-generation emergency response systems that integrate text, video and picture services.
August 5, 2010

iPads Win Government Support in Birmingham, Ala.

By purchasing iPad tablet devices, the city expects to enhance efficiency and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in paper usage.
August 4, 2010

Arkansas.gov Mobile Apps Put Payment Processing on Smartphones

With more than 2,000 payments processed, Arkansas.gov's mobile applications have become one the state's most popular online features.
August 3, 2010

Massachusetts IT Consolidation Continues Despite CIO's Departure

Massachusetts CIO Anne Margulies is stepping down to become CIO of Harvard. Deputy CIO John Letchford slated to take over as interim CIO.
August 2, 2010

Ankeny, Iowa, Aims to Conserve Stormwater With New Incentive Program

Property owners can apply for a 50 percent match on qualifying projects that improve stormwater drainage.
August 1, 2010

Reno, Nev., Puts Wind Turbines on City Hall Roof

With turbine and solar energy projects, city officials expect to reduce energy use by 25 percent and save $1 million a year.
July 29, 2010

Hydraulics on Hybrid Recycling Trucks to Reduce Costs, Emissions in Ann Arbor, Mich.

With help from stimulus funds, Ann Arbor, Mich., acquires four garbage trucks outfitted with technology to boost efficiency and keep fuel costs low.
July 28, 2010

Fort Collins, Colo., Pays School District to Manage E-Mail Services

In an unusual example of shared services, Fort Collins, Colo., will pay the Poudre School District to maintain and upgrade e-mail used by more than 1,800 city employees.
July 27, 2010

Los Angeles County Upgrades to New Payroll System

As part of a multiphase $160 million ERP project, L.A. County's new Web-based payroll system enhances payroll processing and tracking, serves more than 105,000 county workers.
July 22, 2010

Memphis Cracks Crime Trends With Forecasting Technology

By mapping, identifying and linking criminal hot spots with predictive analytics software, Tennessee police department reduced crime by 31 percent in four years.
July 20, 2010

Laser Helps Police Plot Traffic Crashes, Crime Scenes

For law enforcement, a laser mapping tool comes in handy to pinpoint vital pieces of evidence and create maps for records and court cases.
July 20, 2010

Local Governments Cut Health-Care Costs With Free On-Site Health Clinics for City Workers

Lakeland, Fla., provides basic medical services to city workers and saves $1 million by reducing insurance claims.
July 19, 2010

Los Angeles County Tweeting the Economic Recovery?

Following LACoSurveyor on Twitter tracks tract and parcel maps, which may be an early indicator of economic recovery.
July 16, 2010

Bossier City, La., Police Department Deploys E-Ticketing Devices

New system lets traffic officers fill out citations electronically, write crash and incident reports and send data to city's clerks system with the touch of a button.
July 15, 2010

Google Launches 'Fiber for Communities' Website

The search engine giant unveils website to promote development of experimental ultra high-speed broadband networks.
July 14, 2010

Federal Government Increases Flexibility in Rules for Electronic Health Record Adoption

Eligible health-care providers that comply with 'meaningful use' standards can reap stimulus funding incentives.
July 13, 2010

Edmonton, Alberta, Replicating City in Second Life

Edmonton CIO Chris Moore prepares to launch a virtual replica of the city for collaboration and training, to encourage tourism and economic development.
July 12, 2010

San Antonio Traffic Court Finds Order in Video Conferencing

Traffic violators face a judge through a live video feed in new pilot program designed to improve delivery of municipal services for citizens.
July 11, 2010

Do Apps for Democracy and Other Contests Create Sustainable Applications?

San Francisco and other cities seek ways to engage software developers and spark long-term innovation.
July 8, 2010

Gaps Persist in Evaluation Systems for E-Government Initiatives

As the financial crisis hampers e-government programs, analysts push for new evaluation methods to address current needs.
July 7, 2010

911 Dispatch App Puts Emergency Data in Hands of Citizens

IPhone app gives San Ramon Valley, Calif., residents a glimpse into the district's 911 dispatch center.
July 2, 2010

RFID Tags on Recycle Bins Help Laurel, Md., Track Participation in Recycling Mandate

In a pilot program to preserve the environment and save money, Laurel, Md.'s public works department deploys handheld scanners and tags to make sure residents follow city's recycling mandate.
July 1, 2010

3 Ways Health-Care Reform Will Impact Government IT

Issues include electronic health records and upgrading Medicaid eligibility systems.
June 30, 2010

Electronic Poll Books Centralize Voter Rolls in Arizona's Yavapai County

Yavapai County becomes the first Arizona county to use e-poll books in a pilot project to increase voting convenience and reduce the number of rejected ballots.
June 30, 2010

Alabama Strengthens Medicaid Payment Accuracy With Innovative Contingency Contract

Alabama awards a performance-based contract to review its Medicaid claims and help recover funds owed.
June 29, 2010

Rhode Island Collects Website Feedback From Five-Second Test

Using the fast, free assessment tool, Rhode Island's IT team receives instant first impressions from citizens on the design and usability of the state's website.
June 25, 2010

'IPhone on Steroids' Gives Law Enforcement a Biometric Boost

New technology is a sleeve that fits over an iPhone and captures electronic fingerprints, iris scans and photographs, but does it impact individual rights?
June 24, 2010

Monster, Governments Target Job Opportunities for Displaced Workers

In partnership with state and local agencies and education institutions, the job-matching engine analyzes talent pools and growing fields to fill local work force holes.
June 23, 2010

Pinellas County, Fla., Unveils 24/7 Crime Mapping Tool

In collaborative effort, local government and law enforcement agencies launch new website for citizens to track criminal activity around the clock.
June 22, 2010

San Francisco Approves Cell Phone Radiation Disclosure Law

Once Mayor Gavin Newsom signs the proposal, the law will require retailers to post the amount of radiation emitted from their phones starting in February 2011.
June 15, 2010

County Recruits Geocachers in Battle Against Invasive Weeds

Through a high-tech scavenger hunt, Ida County, Idaho's Weed, Pest and Mosquito Abatement Department seeks to educate the public about specific weed infestations and weed control efforts.
June 14, 2010

Manatee County, Fla., Preps New Internet Portal Built on Open Source

To break free from arbitrary limits of Manatee County's current website, IT staff chose Magnolia CMS as an open source solution, plans to unveil new site this summer.
June 10, 2010

Desktop Virtualization Comes in Handy for Alaska Fish and Game

With virtual desktops from Citrix Systems, IT officials can deliver data, apps and processing to any device on demand and repurpose $250,000 in funds that would have gone to refreshing aging hardware.
June 9, 2010

New Web Apps Help Taxpayers Access Permit Information Remotely

The California State Board of Equalization unveils two apps that put BOE information a click away for residents using mobile devices.
June 8, 2010

Paper Remains King in the Electronic Age, Study Says

Despite electronic initiatives for government payment and document processes, paper remains a costly, cumbersome problem for tax collecting agencies.
June 7, 2010

Video Contest Seeks Entries From Future Government Leaders

GovLoop will award five free registration passes to those who create the best short video responses to this question: 'Why are you the next generation of government?'
June 4, 2010

Emergency Text Messaging Signals Evolution in Public Safety Communication

Marion County, Fla., becomes latest to accept emergency calls via text message from people who need help but can't speak.
June 3, 2010

Smart Cards Tap Into Future of City Transit Systems

Transit networks in New York and New Jersey link up to launch a smart card pilot program for riders of subways and buses. Will this be the end of the MetroCard?
June 3, 2010

Carlsbad, Calif., Looks to Cloud to Streamline Operations, Cut Costs

Upgraded work force management system could save the city $830,000 a year by boosting efficiency and eliminating paper-based processes.
May 27, 2010

Report: Los Angeles County Should Consider Satellites, Cameras to Detect Wildfires

Los Angeles County's Quality and Productivity Commission recommends sensor and infrared technology, tracking systems and surveillance satellites as potential tools to detect forest and brush fires.
May 26, 2010

Survey: Voters See Technology as Cost-Saving Solution for Governments

As cloud computing interest grows, poll results reveal that most voters believe technology can boost efficiency at state and local levels.
May 25, 2010

Alabama Strengthens Medicaid Payment Accuracy with Innovative Contingency Contract

For no money down, the Alabama Medicaid Agency will work with Ingenix, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, to review claims and identify funds owed to the state.
May 24, 2010

Reverse 911 System Goes Live in Cameron County, Texas

Emergency notification technology keeps residents informed about various disasters in certain areas, expedites public safety responses.
May 23, 2010

States Bring Purpose-Driven Social Networking Tools to Schools

Should a state spend $1.15 million on a Web-based portal designed to connect students, support college and career transitions?
May 20, 2010

Hawaii Tracks Vehicle Violations With Online Monitoring System

First-of-its-kind online service allows rental car companies to monitor each vehicle in their fleet, pay off citations more quickly and steer clear of costly penalties.
May 19, 2010

Will Touchscreen Devices Transform Voter Registration Systems?

Santa Clara County, Calif., signs off on historic and innovative measure that allows residents to register to vote by writing e-signatures on iPads, iPhones or other mobile devices.
May 18, 2010

Educators Seek New Ways to Steer Kids Toward Technical Fields

Schools in Ohio, New York and Massachusetts increase focus on science, technology, engineering and math.
May 18, 2010

Open Source Web-Mapping App in Douglas County, Nev., Offers Aerial View of Local Data

Interactive mapping tool gives residents and businesses 24-hour access to property data such as floodplains, public lands, trails, zoning and more.
May 14, 2010

IT Workers Teach, Learn in Georgia High Schools

Georgia program pairs unemployed IT professionals with computing teachers to boost number and diversity of computer science students.
May 11, 2010

Free Website Leverages Teaching Tools, Builds Virtual Learning Environment

Udemy aims to democratize online education by allowing users to post videos, presentations, blogs and host live virtual classroom sessions.
May 6, 2010

Voice Verification Technology Deployed to Prevent Abuse of Florida's Medicaid Services

Miami-Dade County pilots voice recognition tools to verify delivery of Medicaid services and curb in-home health-care fraud.
May 3, 2010

Coming Soon: Robots Parking Cars in West Hollywood, Calif.

Automated parking garages use computer-controlled motorized lifts to park cars, save space, emissions and money.
May 3, 2010

Personal Computers Map, Track Earthquakes Using Motion Sensors

Four years in the making, the Quake-Catcher Network uses inexpensive motion sensors installed in volunteers' computers to collect earthquake data in real time.
April 29, 2010

What's the Capital of Kansas? Google

To lure Google's ultra-high speed broadband trial to Topeka, Kan., Mayor Bill Bunten renamed capital city after the search giant for the month of March.
April 28, 2010

Oregon Brings Google Apps to Public Schools

As the nation's first state to offer Google Apps for Education in K-12 schools, Oregon officials hope to boost communication and collaboration through cloud networking.
April 26, 2010

The End of the Line for DMVs?

Virtual queue system lets customers use mobile phone numbers to hold their positions in line, receive text message alerts when it's their turn.
April 25, 2010

Unused Television Spectrum Could Deliver New Broadband Services

Wilmington, N.C., becomes a test bed for using TV 'white spaces' to provide connectivity for smart city initiative.
April 23, 2010

3-D Technology Helps Emergency Responders Observe Origins of 911 Calls

The Durham, N.C., 911 Center adopts software that shows 3-D, aerial images of buildings, highways and other structures, gives first responders better picture of the incident scene.
April 20, 2010

Town Hall Meetings Find New Home, Broader Audience Online

In parts of Florida, traditional town meeting concept gets a virtual makeover, helps local governments save money and expand outreach.
April 19, 2010

California to Track 911 Calls Statewide Through Centralized System

To better manage emergency call stats, U.S., state and local governments look to deploy Web-based 911 management system.
April 16, 2010

Law Enforcement Firearms Training Goes High-Definition

The Lee County (Ala.) Sheriff's Office enhances realism with new simulation training program.
April 15, 2010

North Carolina County Puts Land Management Into Centralized Network

New land management software in Catawba County, N.C., integrates centralized network, GIS platforms to streamline planning and permitting process.
April 14, 2010

D.C. Transportation Department Explores Alternative Parking Meter Options

After receiving a glut of meter-related complaints, transportation officials in Washington, D.C., are testing new payment programs to help reduce parking meter problems.
April 12, 2010

Facebook-Style Site Coming Soon to the U.S. State Department

An internal social networking site, officials say, would make it easier for employees and diplomatic officials abroad to communicate, collaborate and identify experts in specific fields.
April 8, 2010

Car-Mounted Cameras to Target Delinquent Taxpayers in Suffolk, Va.

A new proposal aims to scan license plates to identify and penalize people who owe the city personal property taxes.
April 6, 2010

311 Calls for Home Repair Cash in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Fort Wayne 311 call center will pre-qualify applicants for federal home improvement grants and loans totaling $700,000.
April 5, 2010

New York Hunts for Mobile App Ideas for State Parks

Competition offers $5,000 in scholarship awards for NYU-Poly graduate students best Web-based application proposals.
April 2, 2010

Austin, Texas, Appoints Stephen Elkins CIO

After years of transitions, city officials believe new IT chief will bring diversified public- and private-sector experience to critical post.
April 1, 2010

Three Ways Health-Care Reform Will Impact Government IT Systems

With mandated adoption deadlines looming, governments have no choice but to seek health IT support in areas such as electronic health records (EHRs) and medical coding standards.
March 31, 2010

Can a Smart Water Grid Save States from Looming Water Shortage?

State and local water utilities and water companies consider smart technology to detect leaks and help customers monitor water use. But at what cost?
March 31, 2010

Tallahassee Preps Nation's First Smart Grid That Fuses Electricity, Gas and Water Utilities

This fall, Florida's capital city will launch a comprehensive smart grid designed to help the utilities staff and customers better manage energy usage and save money.
March 30, 2010

Interactive Online Platform Levels Playing Field of Public Opinion

The U.S. State Department recently launched a Web visualization forum to foster open dialog on foreign affairs. Does such a platform have potential benefits for state and local governments
March 29, 2010

1,100 Local Governments Contend for Google Broadband

Google acknowledges creative efforts of U.S. cities hungry for ultra high-speed network, plans to announce target trial site(s) by year's end.
March 26, 2010

High-Tech Weather Sensors Improve Roadway Safety, Save Taxpayers

New Missouri project gives road crews instant access to weather conditions, creates safer roads and better task management.
March 25, 2010

Portland Launches Annual Apps Competition

The eco-friendly city releases data sets from the city, county and region for innovators to create apps for cash prizes.
March 24, 2010

Geothermal Power Projects Pick Up Steam

With federal funding support, city officials in Klamath Falls, Ore., explore new technology that converts low-temp underground water into electricity.
March 22, 2010

Electronic Files Could Save Paper, Thousands of Dollars in Fayette County, Ky.

As the Fayette County attorney's office goes paperless, computer network gives lawyers instant access to specific files.
March 19, 2010

California to Test Fingerprint, Photograph Devices on In-Home Care Patients

Despite some political objections, state officials say high-tech machines that register identity data could help the state crack down on fraud and save tens of millions of dollars.
March 17, 2010

Biometric Scanning Rises Despite Privacy Fears

Designed to combat crime and terrorism, the latest biometrics devices signal the future of law enforcement.
March 17, 2010

Chicago Streamlines Online Services with $1.8 Million Web Site Makeover

Chicago's first Web site overhaul in nine years improves transparency, provides access to social media tools and runs on an open source operating system.
March 15, 2010

Report Identifies Data Gaps in Federal Transparency Web Site

The Office of Management and Budget seeks to address inconsistency concerns with data reporting plan, guidance to agencies and revamped Web site.
March 12, 2010

High Jinks Heat Up Battle for Google Broadband

A state capital changes its name and a mayor jumps into an icy lake in two of several gimmicks deployed by cities to attract Google's fiber networks.
March 11, 2010

Healthy Kids Apps Competition Offers Super-Sized Cash Prizes

As part of a campaign to end childhood obesity, the $40,000 contest calls for innovators to incorporate U.S. Department of Agriculture nutritional data into games and tools.
March 9, 2010

Federal Cloud IT Platform Slow to Rise as Cloud Environment Evolves

U.S. General Services Administration cancels cloud infrastructure RFQ, plans to issue new one that seeks more offerings from vendors at a higher level of security.
March 8, 2010

High-Tech Tools Detect Weapons of Mass Destruction at Los Angeles Port Complex

With new a screening vessel, a helicopter with a radiation-detecting module and a WMD-sniffing dog, port authorities bolster line of defense against terrorists.
March 3, 2010

California Issues Telework Policy to Curb Cyber-Security Risks

California's CIO office unveils standard for state agencies to develop secure telework and remote access.
March 1, 2010

Peter Corbett: CEO, iStrategyLabs

Peter Corbett: CEO, iStrategyLabs
February 25, 2010

Public Safety Projects to Connect Emergency Crews in Morris County, N.J.

With federal funding support, the county plans to enhance public safety efforts with centralized communications upgrades.
February 25, 2010

California DMV App Helps iPhone Users Avoid Long Lines

Mobile application gives iPhone users California DMV wait times and educational tools.
February 19, 2010

California Designates 6 Innovation Hubs to Sharpen State's Competitive Edge

Stalled by the economic recession, California designates research clusters of companies, nonprofits and universities to stimulate innovation through collaboration and create jobs.
February 17, 2010

Lee County, Fla., Turns Burning Trash Into Industry Treasure

County waste division officials plan to cash in on environmental efficiency by selling carbon credits to companies.
February 16, 2010

Cook County, Ill., Puts Local Government Checkbook Online

With online check register, Cook County, Ill., residents can examine where tax dollars go in a government repeatedly tarnished by corruption.
February 10, 2010

New York City, App Developers Win Big in Local Innovation Competition

Application design challenge produces valuable software tools worth millions, helps citizens interact with and use government data to their advantage.
February 9, 2010

New York Seeks to Save Millions, Increase Tech Sector's Diversity

New statewide network for IT staff augmentation services would maximize the state's buying power, reduce technology service redundancy.
February 8, 2010

Online Data Sets Could Spur Innovation in High-Tech Northwest

King County, Wash., council member pushes initiative that would require county agencies to publish data sets (crime stats, transit info, etc.) online by June 1.
February 8, 2010

Visualization Platform Gives Stakeholders Sneak Peek of New Applications

With collaboration tool, governments can create interactive mockup applications, receive feedback early on to prevent cost overruns.
February 4, 2010

Rural Hospitals Prescribe Gov 2.0 Solution with Digital Dashboards

Community hospitals in Ohio collaborate to create paperless care process that revolves around the patient.
February 3, 2010

Washington, D.C., Partners with Feds to Test 4G Technology for National Public Safety Network

U.S. telecommunications and public safety agencies join to test and develop new 4G wireless solutions that would upgrade emergency response communications.
February 2, 2010

Public Libraries Take Information Literacy to the Next Stage

Folsom, Calif., library uses gaming to keep patrons' interests.
February 1, 2010

Stimulus Package Promotes Good Health IT

With nearly $20 billion from the Recovery Act earmarked for electronic health record incentives, state and local governments lend support, enforce accountability.
January 28, 2010

ARRA Stimulates State Transparency, Highlights Grant Management Flaws

Inconsistent grant management practices in state governments could hurt chances for states to win optimal amount of federal funding.
January 26, 2010

E-Government Score Remains at All-Time High

Federal Web sites earn high marks for transparency, navigation and functionality, trail private-sector industries such as search engines, portals and e-retail.
January 22, 2010

Does Your City Need a Web 2.0 Makeover? Act Now

In 2011, five U.S. cities will get the chance to receive a customized Web 2.0 solution to improve transparency and efficiency.
January 21, 2010

Colorado Seeks Private-Sector Support for Public Cloud Services

Quasi-government agency plans public-private partnership to give Web-based e-mail and office productivity applications to state and local governments.
January 21, 2010

U.S. Health-Care System Upgrade Represents One of the Biggest Modernization Efforts in Industry History

In massive IT transition, states have less than four years to upgrade disease diagnosis code sets.
January 14, 2010

Cyber-Security Response on the Rise from Google, Maryland and Obama

As federal and state officials prioritize defense strategies against cyber-attacks, Maryland aims to be nation's cyber-security 'epicenter.'
January 13, 2010

Open Source Promoted in New California Policy

Unique policy allows state departments to access free software, potentially save millions of dollars.
January 12, 2010

How to Make Municipal Wi-Fi Work

After years of trial and much error with citywide broadband plans, municipal governments find ways to deliver Internet access to the public.
January 6, 2010

Kaiser Permanente, Veterans Affairs Launch Data-Sharing Program

Landmark public-private partnership could be a catalyst for national health records system.
December 28, 2009

Georgia Centralizes Child Welfare System Database

Developed from a public-private partnership, Georgia's Web-based statewide information system improves data sharing and produces real-time case records.
December 24, 2009

California CIO's Office Wins $4.7 Million Grant

Federal funding will help state enhance cyber-security projects, boost emergency management operations.
December 22, 2009

White House Appoints Howard Schmidt as First Cyber-Security Coordinator

Chief information security officers and technology leaders celebrate President Obama's selection of government and industry veteran Howard Schmidt.
December 21, 2009

New 911 Dispatch System in Missouri Cuts Call Times

With a new computer-aided dispatch system, Missouri's Polk County Emergency 911 Center gains access to critical information and boosts efficiency of emergency responders.