Government Technology January 2008

By Chad Vander Veen

Online 3-D mapping tools combine with GIS to deliver better location information.

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Workforce

California Attacks Staff Shortage by Creating Database of Retirees Willing to Work: By Adam Stone With baby boomers leaving state employment, Boomerang system lists retirees with valuable skills.

Waukesha, Wisconsin, Uses Green Technology to Conserve Energy and Cut Costs: By Andy Opsahl Energy-efficient lighting and LED traffic signals could generate $2 million in savings for city.

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen Uses Technology to Transform State Government: By Tod Newcombe
Bredesen's IT policy focuses on economic development, education and consolidating state data centers.
Cities Use WiMAX to Create Municipal Wireless Networks: By Andy Opsahl WiMAX gains momentum as replacement for Wi-Fi to provide wireless Internet access.

Virginia Dangerous Dog Web Site Warns Citizens of Vicious Pets: By Tamara Warta State agencies create online registry that provides pictures and locations of dangerous animals.

Report: Government Should Use YouTube, Second Life and Other Web 2.0 Sites: By Chad Vander Veen Web 2.0 improves relationships with citizens by boosting interaction, electronic commerce group says.

Child Welfare System Boosts Oversight of New Jersey Foster Care and Adoption: By David Raths Statewide automated child welfare information system is designed to remedy shortcomings of old technology.
Mapping Software Helps Washington State Find Foster Parents: By Adam Stone
State Division of Children and Family Services uses off-the-shelf software to show need for foster parents.

MIT Project Aggregates Cell Phone Data to Model Urban Dynamics: By Jessica Jones Real Time Rome also uses speed and location data from buses and taxis to help citizens make better decisions.

On the Scene: GT editors report from the road.
Personal Computing: Social Networks vs. Blogs vs. Discussion Groups: By Reid Goldsborough A look at the strengths and weaknesses of the three main Internet-based media.

Former Michigan CIO Teri Takai Accepts California CIO Position: By Wayne Hanson
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says Takai will help rebuild essential state services.
New York CIO Melodie Mayberry-Stewart to Modernize State IT Systems: By Steve Towns, Editor Mayberry-Stewart says innovation and information sharing are key challenges.
ESRI Founder Jack Dangermond Predicts the Future of GIS: By Chad Vander Veen
New tools like Google Earth and Virtual Earth complement traditional GIS.

By Miriam Jones, Chief Copy Editor

New technology from V7, Royal Philips Electronics, Targus, Sprint, HTC Corp.

Spectrum: Government Technology Reports from the IT Horizon: By Karen Stewartson A snapshot of national and international IT trends that may change your life and career.

Government Technology Magazine Enters Its 21st Year: By Steve Towns Magazine will tackle job critical issues in 2008.

From Clinton and Obama to Rudy and Romney, Presidential Candidates Disappoint.: By Chad Vander Veen 2008 presidential candidates are virtually interchangeable, except one: Ron Paul.

How it Works: WiMAX: By Jessica Jones WiMAX delivers 'last-mile' wireless broadband Internet access.

Assessing the Value of Social Networking in an Over-Heated Market: By Paul W. Taylor Despite the hype, social networking and Web 2.0 collaboration are what many people expect government transparency to look like.