Change is upon us, and it’s not just the weather. We’ve all heard the term over the last few months. However, now we truly are on the doorstep of a transitional – and potentially transformational – time in the Federal government.
What better time, then, to step back and look at everything going on in the Federal workplace – the innovations, the efficiencies, the yet-to-tackle big challenges that Federal workers seek to solve every day on behalf of citizens of the U.S.
It is in this atmosphere that we at Microsoft launch FutureFed, our Microsoft Federal blog.
We’ve been working with government public servants for a long time – and we’ve seen firsthand how their efforts and the work of a nation takes place every day. We have volumes of stories to tell about the unsung heroes who have made technology work for the agencies they serve – and for taxpaying citizens - to keep all of us safer, and to make government more accessible, more transparent, and more efficient.
The truth is, the Federal government is where so much innovation actually initiates. Yet it is also true that we have a long way to go to use technology so that government can operate to its fullest potential and so that everyone can not only recognize the benefits but participate meaningfully.
The incoming administration understands the power of technology and will use it. Those of us in the government IT community are excited to be part of this process.
As we engage with you in FutureFed, we will be highlighting the agency knowledge and expertise that exists to ensure that the upcoming transition – of people, of priorities and of programs – into a more tech-focused government is successful.
How are we starting? Microsoft has appointed a new CTO – a chief transition officer. Carolyn Brubaker will lead our federal transition team to make sure that you and your technology investments are utilized to the greatest extent possible during the next months and going forward with the new administration. Some of our initial postings in FutureFed will come from Carolyn.
So now, we welcome you to join our conversation, visit often and engage with us around where you see government heading. We hope you will join us as we share best practices from your peers, answer your questions and help explain how technology will affect you during the transition and into the future.
Our Federal team greatly looks forward to engaging with you through FutureFed and beyond.
- Teresa Carlson, Microsoft Vice President of U.S. Federal Sales
I don't know if state initiatives are of interest but one I believe points to the future is the work of the First Things First organization in Arizona (www.azftf.org). The site demonstrates a Web 2.0 mentality brought to a government agency and the behind the scenes process work and Agile Methodology implementation are inspirational.
Dan Willis
Looking forward to the blog entries. Right now I think the biggest thing facing federal agencies is the economy and the tightening of budgets.
I know this is not exclusive to the federal government but we know that belts will have to be tightened and many times that means IT budgets shrink. We will make it through this but it may be a tough 12-24 months.
Thanks
Mike Kline