
Cloud computing (still) needs a bill of rights
Back in December, after Amazon summarily pulled the plug on WikiLeaks using its servers for alleged violations of terms and conditions, the CTO of Fujitsu Technology Solutions wrote that the action constituted a serious threat to the business of cloud computing: “If a provider can terminate its service that easily, then it is doing exactly […]

The US Federal Government and Open Source
Reflecting on the US federal government using open source.

SEC Defines Venture Capital
The SEC fulfilled their obligation under the Frank-Dodd financial reform bill and defined what venture capital is. Represents itself to investors as being a venture capital fund. Only invests in equity securities of private operating companies to provide primarily operating or business expansion capital (not to buy out other investors), U.S. Treasury securities with a […]

Department of Defense IT: Years late and billions over-budget
A new GAO report highlights $6.9 billion in over-budget IT projects at the Department of Defense. The report also provides excellent advice that private-sector business leaders can apply immediately.

Transparency, accountability, and IT success
There is a clear link between transparency and accountability in preventing mismanagement, inefficiency, and waste. The bright light of day can have remarkable impact solving problems that lead to IT failure.

UK demands ‘mandatory’ project reviews on government IT projects
The National Audit Office, an official UK watchdog agency, announced recommendations calling for “a central, mandatory system” of IT project reviews.

Shocking gov’t IT failure statistics!
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released data that shows disturbing trends on government IT projects

Federal gov’t gets serious about IT failures
Vivek Kundra, federal Chief Information Officer, has taken new steps to raise the profile of failed IT projects within the government.

Politicizing IT failure in Australia
The scale of waste that arises from government IT failure makes these projects a healthy target for politicians seeking political advantage against rivals. Here’s the latest example.

When Strategic Sourcing Fails Taxpayers: NJ Transit and Telecom
Courtesy of The Strategic Sourcerer, I recently learned of yet another futile attempt by a government agency — in this case a state government — to fully take advantage of a cost reduction opportunity. In the above-linked post, we learn how the NJ Transit RFP for “Telecom Bill Audit and Recovery Services” stops short of […]