Integrator Insider

Tivoli Teams With Feds on Security Specs:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology picked Tivoli Systems, Austin, Texas, to help develop certification processes and criteria for new security specifications in information technology. NIST and the National Security Agency are working on a joint effort called the National Information Assurance Partnership. The agencies formed the partnership to address the need for a better process for certifying IT security.

The Envelope, Please:
American Management Systems Inc., Fairfax, Va., and Carnegie Mellon University's Graduate School of Industrial Administration are looking for nominations for the 8th Annual Awards for Achievement in Managing Information Technology. Since 1987, awards have gone to senior executives and professionals who have contributed to their organization and industry through the effective use of information technology. Nominations are due Nov. 26. Forms are available from AMS by phone at (703) 227-4246 or by e-mail at awards@mail.amsinc.com.

Price Waterhouse Buying Interest in Origin:
Price Waterhouse, New York, will buy a minority interest in Origin B.V., a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Philips Electronics N.V. Origin, a global consulting and technology provider, had $1.5 billion in revenue in 1996. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Earlier this year, Price Waterhouse and Origin formed a strategic alliance to market third-party software, systems integration, management consulting and related business process consulting services.

Treasury Starts Electronic Check Pilot:
The U.S. Treasury and the Financial Services Technology Consortium, Chicago, will conduct a market trial later this year of FSTC's electronic check technology. During the pilot, electronic checks will be used to pay small- to medium-sized suppliers of Department of Defense contracts. Currently, these firms receive paper checks.

SAIC Forms European Security Center:
Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, has formed the Center for European Security. Tip Osterthaler, former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for European and NATO affairs, will be the director. The center will be a private-sector partner to governments and international groups dealing with security issues. It also will be a resource for SAIC and other companies looking for experts on European political, economic and security affairs.

-Nick Wakeman