Government IT News For VARs 2-4-15: Enterprise Cloud Email, Cybersecurity Strategy And Education

By Christine Kern, contributing writer

In the news, the U. S. Defense Department (DoD) is looking for a commercial enterprise email provider, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is serious about Wi-Fi blocking, and the Coast Guard is set to release an all-encompassing cybersecurity strategy. Also, Pennsylvania is set to open a cybersecurity training center.

DoD Seeks Commercial Solution For Enterprise Cloud Email

Acting DoD CIO Terry Halvorsen is looking for a new, commercial solution to provide unclassified enterprise email, according to Fed Tech Magazine. Currently, the DoD uses the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide the service, but Halvorsen hopes that commercial cloud offerings could save up to 25 or 30 percent, which are significant amounts for an already tight budget. Halvorsen said that industry has already proven that it can provide enterprise email for less money and that they should be able to adjust to meet the DoD’s security needs.

Coast Guard To Release Cyber Strategy Plan

The Coast Guard is set to release a cybersecurity strategy sometime next month that will emphasize not only maritime critical infrastructure but also internal networks, according to Coast Guard Deputy CIO Thomas Michelli in Fed Tech Magazine. The need to prioritize security also comes at a time when budgets are becoming tighter and tighter, increasing the need for efficient solutions. Michelli says the department — like other agencies — is looking to cost-cutting technologies like virtualization to help free up funding. 

Pennsylvania Security Center Poised To Educate About Cybersecurity

Set to open in the spring, the Harrisburg Security Center of Excellence in Pennsylvania has been charged with the education of security staff regarding ways to protect data at the state and local levels and in public schools. The center could serve as a model for other states in their own cybersecurity efforts, Government Technology reports. The center is supported by the state, as well as leading cybersecurity partners Cisco, Deloitte Consulting, IMB, Symantec, and Unisys. The idea is to help fill the gaps in cybersecurity talent.

FCC Issues Stern Warning To Those Who Impose Wi-Fi Blocking

The FCC has issued a warning to businesses that interfere with personal Wi-Fi hotspots. It raises the question of how the FCC will monitor infringement of the ruling, according to the E-Commerce Times. The FCC notice states, “No hotel, convention center, or other commercial establishment or the network operator providing services at such establishments may intentionally block or disrupt personal Wi-Fi hotspots on such premises, including as part of an effort to force consumers to purchase access to the property owner’s Wi-Fi network.”

Government IT Talking Points

This article from Government Technology provides an analysis of the 2015 State of the State Addresses to see if technology made an appearance in the speeches. The conclusion? To find technology in the addresses this year, you have to read between the lines. There were very few direct references to investments in technology or launching new digital initiatives, though the priorities unveiled by governors across the board clearly will drive new tech investment and deployment, particularly in education and transportation.

For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Government IT Resource Center.