From the Publisher's Desk

By Scott LewisWashington Technology this issue begins a new era as Steve LeSueur takes over as editor for Trish Williams. Steve has been writing about the state and local marketplace since joining the staff in 1998, covering the latest e-government offerings by systems integrators and their partners throughout the nation. We wish the very best for Trish, who left to spend more time with her family and get back into writing. Washington Technology prospered under her leadership, and Steve promises to continue the publication's tradition of editorial excellence by delivering exclusive, timely news about government systems integrators and the markets they serve.Under Steve's leadership, Washington Technology also is launching a daily online news service at www.wtonline.com. Bookmark this Web site and visit it every day to get breaking news about systems integrators and the hottest business opportunities among federal, state and local governments. Our daily online news service begins March 20.As for this issue, read about efforts by Electronic Data Systems Corp. to jettison its lumbering ways to become an agile player in the expanding e-government arena. Richard Brown, EDS chairman and chief executive officer, talked with reporters at our parent, The Washington Post Co., about his first 15 months on the job and where he wants to take the company. Among many changes, EDS is spending more than $100 million this year on an ad campaign to boost the company's image and brand it as the No. 1 information technology services provider in the world.Another cover story describes a plan by Enron Broadband Services to reduce the cost of bandwidth to government agencies through online trading. The company already has experience trading energy and natural gas over the Internet, and wants to do the same with bandwidth by treating it as a commodity.It is a relatively new concept for both the private and public sectors. Staff Writer Jennifer Freer talked with Enron officials, who said they are confident they can bring efficiency to the bandwidth marketplace with online trading.slewis@pnbi.comXXXSPLITXXX-