Cloud and cyber are converging to drive today’s IT modernization conversation. These two critical components of government’s IT agenda are the drivers behind one of the most critical mission objectives: keeping agency data safe. Further accelerating change, Cloud First, FISMA, FedRAMP, FITARA, a newly signed MGT Act, a Cyber EO and an IT Modernization Report are all paving the way to improve cyber security postures government-wide....

Three cheers for change – the MGT Act is law. Join Congressman Gerry Connolly and Federal CIOs on March 1 for a Hill reception to celebrate the opportunity to modernize IT in government. Hear from Hill representatives about what to expect in the future and plans for funding, while agency leaders share next steps on putting the new law into action. Raise a toast to MGT and get smarter about what it means for government and industry alike.

Feds are on the clock to modernize their IT systems. The Modernizing Government Technology Act proposes an annual $250 million centralized revolving capital fund to upgrade the Federal government’s outdated IT infrastructure. With data centers commanding the majority of Uncle Sam’s $90 billion IT spend, change agents across government are exploring new paths to bring those aging data centers into the 21st century. With 10 out of 24...

The next Administration is already calling for an immediate review of all government vulnerabilities and cyber defenses upon taking the Oval Office. Where will their cyber efforts be aimed? What current cyber components and programs will face the most scrutiny? Where might we see cyber efforts realigned? As agencies assess their risks, should the internet be considered critical infrastructure? How will IoT affect agencies cyber strategies? Joi...

OMB sent a clear message with the release of its Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI) – it wants to see clear, measurable cost savings from agency data consolidation efforts and it wants to see them soon. But where will these agencies realize these savings? OMB calls out energy metering, PUE, and facility utilization – but what about storage? Industry analysts peg storage costs at nearly 30 percent of overall data center cost...

Cyber security is not a new priority for those in the government's IT and management trenches. But it is a growing priority for the second term administration. This means agencies and industry partners can expect many cyber hot button issues being front and center over the next year - critical infrastructure protection, cyber crime, continuous monitoring, TIC, mobile device management, data protection, and information sharing. What does Congre...

Data center consolidation continues to be a high priority as we move closer to OMB's rigorous 2015 deadlines. How is the intersection of consolidation, cloud, mobility, and even big data going to affect the path forward? Which mandates are realistic and which should change? Join MeriTalk's Data Center Exchange for the second annual 2013 Data Center Brainstorm on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The event will bring to...

COMPLIMENTARY CLOUD COMPUTING EXCHANGE (CCX) EVENTS On Wednesday, April 25, join MeriTalk's Cloud Computing Exchange (CCX) for its Quarterly Meeting and join CCX and Senators Brown (R-Mass.) and Carper (D-Del.) for the Cloud Computing Brainstorm event on Capitol Hill. The CCX Quarterly Meeting will take place at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill at 11:30 a.m. and the Cloud Computing Brainstorm event will take place at the Capitol Vi...

Disruptive is good - disruptive technologies and a disruptive approach can enable a leaner, more agile, and more cost-effective government. But how much is too disruptive? Join Federal decision makers and IT innovators for a day focused on Federal data center consolidation. How do we consolidate and optimize to unlock savings? How are we performing against OMB's plans? What's working, what's not, what do we need to do to win, and how do we cha...

On November 3rd, join fellow government IT innovators for this complimentary one-day event to discuss ways to engage, innovate, and improve government efficiency. Today, more than ever, there is a groundswell pushing for more open and engaging government. More than talk, agencies are now communicating within their own walls, breaking down silos to interagency collaboration, and engaging with constituents in new ways – with citizens, with...