Government IT News For VARs — February 19, 2014
In the news, local and state government organizations begin to look at the demands data center consolidation, mobility, security, cloud computing, and Big Data will have on their IT departments. Also, writers share insights from the IBM Center for the Business of Government report, “Realizing the Promise of Big Data: Implementing Big Data Projects.”
State, Local Agencies Say They Aren’t Prepared For “Big Five” Demands
MeriTalk, a public-private partnership focused on improving the outcomes of government IT, released its report “Big Five in Overdrive: Are State and Local Networks Ready?” The study considers the effects data center consolidation, mobility, security, Big Data, and cloud computing — the Big Five — will have on state and local government IT. The report reveals that most state and local organizations plan to implement these technologies in the next three years, but almost all say they aren’t prepared for the demands on IT organization. MeriTalk is hosting a “Big Five in Overdrive” webinar at 2 p.m. ET on March 25, which features a panel of government and industry experts that will discuss opportunities, recommendations, and best practices. To register, click here.
Government Organizations Big Data Efforts In Early Stages
A Government Executive article, “Be Prepared: Big Data Is Not a Passing Fad,” cites a new report from the IBM Center for the Business of Government, “Realizing the Promise of Big Data: Implementing Big Data Projects.” Research for the report revealed that public agencies are at the beginning of implementing Big Data programs, and CIOs do not foresee investments in technology. CIOs now manage large volumes of data and deal with integrating data across database systems and building analytical capacity to mine data.
The Federal Times also cited the new report, highlighting advice that collaboration can be a benefit to Big Data projects. The article also comments that government agencies — more than businesses — have to take privacy and ethics into consideration.
To provide “a snapshot of the types of Big Data storage and analytical technology available today,” Government Technology compiled a “who’s who” list of solutions providers. With each listing, the article tells how the business is different and provides a “reference customer.”
Government IT Talking Points
The BBC reports the European Network of Law Enforcement Technology Services (ENLETS) is looking into the feasibility of using devices that can stop vehicles remotely. ENLETS says a benefit of the technology would be safely ending car chases.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Government IT Resource Center.