Logistics: A mystery solved

<FONT SIZE=2>Washington Technology</FONT><FONT SIZE=2> Staff Writer Joab Jackson, who wrote this issue's feature story on logistics systems, has some first-hand experience with military supply chain management. Jackson served three years in the Army, from 1983 to 1986, including an one-year tour of duty at Camp Stanley in Korea as a parts clerk and maintenance manager for the Second Infantry Division.</FONT>

Spell e-learning S-C-O-R-M

The education and training industry has come a long way since the McGuffy Reader -- or, for that matter, chalkboards, Mead notebooks and overhead projectors.

Finding religion

Pentagon officials tell us that many systems integrators initially resisted the move to network-centric warfare. Having fought to carve out large portions of the services' platform procurements, these contractors preferred to solidify their hold through incremental upgrades rather than radical transformation.

I'll take CRM for $500, please

Answer: A technology, a product, a solution, a strategy.Question: What is customer relationship management?

Biometrics: What you see ain't what you get

Biometric technologies, once regarded as expensive and unreliable, are now a standard component of many security solutions. Congress, in fact, has begun mandating biometrics in some applications. In the wake of last September's terrorist attacks, we want to know with greater certainty who has authority to access critical facilities, computers and networks ? and who does not.

Discovering who we are

On Dec. 7, 1942, President Roosevelt held no ceremonies nor made any special proclamations to note the one-year anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The president was a man who looked forward, not backward, and his main focus at the time was the war effort, according to Bob Clark, an archivist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library.

More than meets the eye

At first glance, you wouldn't think the Bush administration cares much about e-government. After all, it requested only $20 million in 2002 for its 24 e-gov initiatives, and then it didn't complain much when Congress gave it a paltry $5 million. "We'll make do," has been the White House mantra.

What's in your crystal ball?

How would you like to be Dick Rowe? He's the Decca Records executive who in early 1962 turned down a chance to sign The Beatles, famously asserting that "groups with guitars are on their way out."

Conflict over conflict of interest

This issue, <i>Washington Technology</i> wrestled with a difficult story about conflict of interest. Some well-placed members of the Industry Advisory Council complained to us that Alan Balutis, the executive director, is taking on outside consulting work that represents such conflict. They contend that the companies for whom he consults are getting preferential treatment when it comes to speaking opportunities and displays at IAC conferences.

Let us assure you

Even people in the information technology business are occasionally confused about the difference between information security and information assurance. But as companies that specialize in information assurance told Staff Writer Joab Jackson, information security is just one element ? albeit an important one ? of information assurance.

Check out our new features

If you noticed something different about Washington Technology this issue, you're right. We've added two new features.

100 reasons to read this issue

Northrop Grumman Information Technology, an amalgam of several corporate acquisitions, is planning an advertising campaign this spring to brand the unit as a first-tier systems integrator in the federal space.

Scattered sunshine, chance of showers

The news from the government IT market remains positive for the integrator community. Industry officials told Staff Writer William Welsh that the demand for health services is so consistently stable, this sector is virtually immune to recession.

Up, up and .... away?

The Federal Aviation Administration faces one of the most difficult systems integration tasks imaginable: Upgrade the nation's air traffic control system, and do it in a way that satisfies pilots, air traffic controllers, commercial airlines and military users, local airport authorities and Congress.

Execs: Government not shying away from tech innovation

The federal government is showing greater willingness to consider cutting-edge technologies to improve homeland security, according to industry executives. "Post 9-11, agencies are looking for emerging technologies" that can help agencies collect and share information, said Anne Altman, managing director of U.S. Federal Government for IBM Corp.

On the homeland security front

"You've basically invited the private sector to ring any number of 100,000 doorbells in Washington."

How can I serve you?

Government resellers will tell you they've always provided services and solutions to their customers. But they also say the Bush administration's renewed emphasis on using information technology to solve problems has forced them to alter their strategy.

Changes, changes, changes

Washington Technology's annual ranking of the top systems integrators in the state and local government market always brings a few changes and surprises. Atop this year's list, one new face joins two familiar ones. Electronic Data Systems Corp. and IBM Corp. are repeat members of the $1 billion-plus revenue club, joined by Affiliated Computer Services Inc., whose climb to the top is due in large part to its purchase of Lockheed Martin IMS for $825 million last summer.

Unisys seeks big-player status

Ira Kirsh, brought in last April as president of Unisys U.S. Federal Government Group, is aiming to make the unit a billion dollar annual business.

Unisys seeks big-player status

Ira Kirsch is blunt when asked why he was brought in last April to lead Unisys Corp.'s federal unit.