Government Technology - April 2008 - (Page 14)

GT editors report from the road cene Peter Collins Named Texas CIO of the Year AUSTIN, TEXAS — Peter Collins, CIO j STEVE TOWNS, EDITOR on the Govtech.com Hot List Here are the 10 most popular stories on Govtech.com from Jan. 13, 2008 to Feb.13, 2008. Web-Based Mapping Tools Help Governments Transform GIS into New Services Online 3-D mapping tools combine with GIS to deliver better location information. www.govtech.com/gt/articles/241047 Governor to CIOs: Don’t Give Up AUSTIN, TEXAS — Gov. Rick Perry of Austin, was named Texas CIO of the Year in a ceremony held at the 19th Annual Government Technology Conference (GTC) Southwest in January. The award, presented jointly by GTC and the Texas Department of Information Resources, honored Collins for his project management skills and his collaboration with partners throughout the region. For Collins, the award is one in a string of kudos in recent years, including four awards for leadership and project excellence in the 2007 Best of Texas awards, a program run by the Center for Digital Government. “What I’m most proud of is the folks I’ve worked with over the years,” Collins said in an interview after the event. “It’s because of their dedication, hard work and trust in me as being a leader through this, and embracing the way I see things need to be done. If I never had the support of the Fire, EMS, Police, Sheriff’s Department, I wouldn’t be sitting here.” All award nominees were recognized for a job well done. Runners-up included: Shareen Addison, information resource manager for the Department of Disability and Aging Services; Steve Chen, CIO of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College; Victor Gonzalez, deputy assistant commissioner for Administrative Services for the Texas Department of Agriculture; Dee Meador, IT director of the Texas Workforce Commission; Richard Reynolds, CTO of Bee Cave; and Collin County IT Director Caren Skipworth. EMILY MONTANDON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR APR_08 urged public-sector technology professionals to press for innovation despite the sometimes plodding pace of government in opening remarks for the 19th annual GTC Southwest. “I know a lot of you are swimming upstream when it comes to getting your ideas across. Never accept the status quo,” Perry told state and local government IT workers gathered there in late January for the four-day event. Perry said CIOs, IT managers and other technology workers have a difﬁcult but vital task. “Government is not normally what you think of as agile and fast-moving. But don’t give up on implementing your ideas,” he said. “You’ll grasp the importance of technology before anyone else in your agency.” Perry called innovation a cornerstone of his efforts to keep Texas economically competitive and responsive to the needs of citizens. He pointed to the December launch of the Governor’s Competitiveness Council, created to identify impediments to global competitiveness and make recommendations for how Texas can improve its economic footing for long-term success. State and local government IT professionals will play a vital role in these initiatives by helping public institutions work smarter, and by supporting technology-related projects that draw top business and research talent to the state. Further advancements depend on officials’ ability to make the case for new technologies and persevere in the face of opposition or bureaucratic gridlock. “You’re the prophets in your organization. Embrace that title and the responsibilities that come with it,” Perry said. “Realize what you do really matters. You make a difference.” 1 3 5 Frequently Asked Questions: New Border Crossing Procedures The DHS answers on new citizen documentation requirements for travelers entering the U.S. www.govtech.com/gt/articles/252579 Identity Theft Steals Millions From Government Health Programs Stolen medical identities boost health-care costs and cause lasting pain for patients. www.govtech.com/gt/260202 7 9 American ITIL IT Information Library ﬁnds an American audience. http://www.govtech.com/gt/96174 Bloomberg Outlines Multiple Technology Programs for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s State of the City address includes many IT-related initiatives. www.govtech.com/gt/articles/251498 Cities Use WiMAX to Create Municipal Wireless Networks New technology and better business models may improve viability of community networks. www.govtech.com/gt/241661 14 Universities Use Second Life to Teach Complex Concepts The virtual world gains traction among Texas academics. www.govtech.com/tt/252550 10 j j j ESRI Founder Jack Dangermond Predicts the Future of GIS New tools like Google Earth and Virtual Earth complement traditional GIS. www.govtech.com/gt/247185 When Our Systems Make Us Stupid The ﬁrst system behavior is that complex systems tend to oppose their own proper behavior. www.govtech.com/gt/articles/251917 California Attacks Staff Shortage by Creating Database With baby boomers leaving state employment, Boomerang system lists retirees with valuable skills. www.govtech.com/gt/157293 2 4 6 8 http://www.govtech.com http://www.govtech.com http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/241047 http://www.govtech.com/gt/247185 http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/251917 http://www.govtech.com/gt/157293 http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/252579 http://www.govtech.com/gt/260202 http://www.govtech.com/gt/96174 http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/251498 http://www.govtech.com/gt/241661 http://www.govtech.com/tt/252550

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Government Technology - April 2008

Government Technology - April 2008 Contents Point of View Big Picture The Last Mile On the Scene Four Questions for... Freeze Frame How Safe Is Your Data? Easy Street Gadget Overload Indiana Overhaul First Person: A Better Bill Data Defense Strength in Numbers Public Storage Products Two Cents Spectrum Personal Computing signal:noise

Government Technology - April 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.