Monday, March 8th, 2010
In the government market research study Market Connections released today at the GITEC Summit, Federal IT decision-makers liken their agencies’ speed of technology adoption to that of a Model T. But those cars belonged to another era, and were driven in a city none of us live in anymore. As the pace of change continues to gather speed, the digital divide between government and the rest of the country will only grow, to the detriment of Federal agencies’ relevance, authority and ability to protect the nation’s information and citizens. We need to look strategically at this issue, and soon.
There is an irony to life in the Washington DC region: We are home to the most technologically advanced workforce this side of Silicon Valley. This wealth of knowledge, paired with a highly competitive culture, has long fueled a relentless and highly successful drive to stay ahead of the technology curve. It has made our region’s high-tech firms the envy of much of the world, and the DC Metro area itself an ever stronger magnet for Fortune 500s looking to tap into this energy and expertise. And yet this success stands in stark contrast to the seeming inability of the area’s oldest residents – the federal agencies – to adopt new technology solutions at anything close to the same pace. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by Dave Glantz in Government, Market Research 
Monday, March 1st, 2010
Each year the Sales & Marketing SIG brings together a panel of senior marketing and government executives to discuss key trends and best practices in marketing and to the Federal government. We’re at it again, but this time the view is through a different lens: our 2009-10 Federal Media and Marketing Study.
Lisa Dezzutti will share highlights of the study on April 7th, 2010, and will guide our panelists through an in-depth discussion of the implications of the data. To register for this event, click here.
No Comments Posted by MarketConnections in Events, Government
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
Some government contractors mistakenly assume that their winning go-to-market strategy in one sector will perform equally well in another. For example, a prospect recently shared his company would soon launch a new set of solutions for defense agencies – an audience they had never really served. Based on their success in federal civilian and commercial sector markets, management felt they knew which strengths to leverage when they targeted the defense market.
That’s certainly understandable. After all, a cardinal rule of selling is to know and lead with your strengths. However, it’s important to not overlook another adage – know and provide what your customer wants. Read the rest of this entry »
No Comments Posted by Lisa Dezzutti in Government, Market Research, Research Methods
Thursday, August 6th, 2009
This week it was announced via this message that access to social networking sites (such as Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, and Twitter) was officially banned on NIPRNET, the Marine Corps enterprise network.
While use of these sites had not been banned across the Marine Corps prior to this announcement, there were already many facilities for which access was restricted or denied. Additionally, concerns continue regarding the security breaches that could be caused by allowing access to these sites. The sites have had many security issues as use increased; just today, Twitter reported a denial of service attack, in which a hacker accessed documents that should have been secure. Given the sensitive nature of the information accessible through NIPRNET, this seems like a necessary step, until such time that cyber-security measures can catch up with the sites and tools available.
It has been noted that there may still be some use of social networking sites, for recruiting or communication with families, for example. With official approval processes in place, there will be increased control over how sites are used, and access will be much more secure. Additionally, steps have been taken to provide approved, secure, DOD-only social networking sites for use by soldiers, employees, and military families.
Considering the risks to secure, classified information, and the efforts by the Marine Corps to provide alternative social networking solutions for soldiers and employees, this policy change seems justified.
Whether or not other military branches will follow suit remains to be seen.
What do you think? Is it appropriate to ban use of social-networking sites? Do you think this will lead to improved security for NIPRNET? Leave a comment and let us know!
No Comments Posted by Lisa Dezzutti in Current Trends, Government
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Last week Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry announced that OPM is taking a giant step forward in transparency,?? becoming the first government agency to put its proposed 5-year strategic plan online, open for both the public and employees to comment. Further, they will make comments immediately available for the public to read. What a great way to use the Internet to interact with interested constituents!
The OPM Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 can be found here, and comments can be offered through this online form. Those who prefer to “lurk” can read all comments here.
No Comments Posted by Karen Quesenberry in Government
Friday, May 29th, 2009
Today the White House released their much-anticipated 60-day cyberspace policy review.
According to the report, the review team found Cybersecurity to be lacking overall. The White House team has already promised action. On the White House Briefing Room blog, Melissa Hathaway, Cybersecurity Chief at the National Security Council, writes, “”¦we need a safe Internet with a strong network infrastructure and we as a nation need to take prompt action to protect cyberspace for what we use it for today and will need in the future. Protecting cyberspace requires strong vision and leadership and will require changes in policy, technology, education, and perhaps law.”
For more information on this topic, check out www.whitehouse.gov.
No Comments Posted by Karen Quesenberry in Current Trends, Government
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
On Monday, John Monroe with FCW Insider wrote an interesting post outlining five ways the use of social media sites (such as Facebook or Twitter) will change the way federal employees work. He presents the case for allowing,?? and sometimes even requiring,?? use of social media at work, saying these types of sites could actually increase productivity, create more cross-agency collaboration, and increase interaction with the citizenry.
Leave a comment and tell us what you think! Will sites like Twitter and Facebook change the federal workplace, or are they merely a passing fad?
No Comments Posted by Karen Quesenberry in Current Trends, Government
Friday, March 20th, 2009
Are you interested in the best practices government contractors who are winning federal business? Interested in joining our discussion of business opportunities and challenges during these changing times? Then do we have a great event for you!
Get an inside look at emerging business development and marketing strategies by senior executives from the government contracting community. Register today!
Friday, April 3, 2009
7:30 a.m. Networking and continental breakfast
8:00-9:30 a.m.
The Tower Club Tysons Corner
8000 Towers Crescent Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
The event will include a presentation of results from our recently conducted 2009 Study of Federal Government IT Contractors and panel discussion featuring:
- Bob Clerman, Corporate Vice President, Noblis
- Lee Cooper, Vice President of Business Development, Raytheon
- William C. Hoover, President and CEO, AMERICAN SYSTEMS
- Tricia Iveson, Vice President of Business Development, Vistronix
- Nick Wakeman, Editor in Chief, Washington Technology
Register Now,?? Seating is Limited!
No Comments Posted by Dave Glantz in Events, Government
As of October 1, we’ll be on the GSA AIMS schedule under SIN 541-4A – Market Research & Analysis Services. We look forward to providing our deep government market expertise and full-service research services to federal agencies.
reached new heights! 