AMS Launches Magazine as Catalyst to IT Strategy

The wisdom of information technology professionals who have experienced first-hand the successes and failures of government systems integration can be found in the premier issue of a new magazine launched Dec. 5 by American Management Systems Inc.


"Catalyst" is intended for executives and seeks to provide them with fresh perspectives on the intersection of technology and business strategy, said Fairfax, Va.-based AMS.


" 'Catalyst' aims to provide the information executives need to use technology to achieve the vision for their organizations, whether an established brick-and-mortar, a government agency or a new Internet-enabled business," said Paul Turner, AMS' chief technology officer and Catalyst's executive publisher.


Although the first issue focuses primarily on business-to-business integration, it contains an article titled, "The New Mergers," by freelance writer Heather Hayes, which discusses the challenges that face government and industry officials trying to streamline government with technology.


Agencies should start with pilot projects before rolling out major projects, according to the article. Vendors should try different approaches to achieve streamlining goals.


For example, they might attach a Web-based front end to add value to existing internal systems or provide end users with a single point of entry through which to collate information from multiple systems.


Subsequent issues of the quarterly publication will address topics such as wireless technologies and securities, said Jeff Trexel, an AMS spokesperson.


The magazine will explore topics from multiple business angles by drawing on experts and leading examples from both the public and private sectors.


Catalyst has an initial circulation of 14,500, said Trexel. AMS will distribute 5,000 issues to clients and 9,500 to employees, he said.


Other technology companies that publish magazines include Cisco Systems Inc. of San Jose, Calif., which publishes "iQ," and Oracle Corp. of Redwood Shores, Calif., which publishes "Oracle" and "Profit."