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What a new President means for the IT industry

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Regardless of where you stand politically, it was obvious technology played a huge role in determining the outcome of last year’s presidential election. President Barack Obama changed the landscape of technology in politics and rode the web 2.0 wave all the way to the White House. It’s also become clear that the technology-heavy election strategy is something the Obama administration plans to continue while serving in the White House.

Weekly YouTube webcasts and social network announcements are just a few of the holdovers from the campaign and now the administration has made two important appointments that could mean a lot to the technology industry.

First, Vivek Kundra has been named Federal CIO. Kundra’s resume includes time spent as CTO for Washington D.C. and before that he served as Virginia’s assistant secretary of commerce and technology. In his new role, Kundra will oversee IT specific issues including oversight of planning and spending along with information sharing, security and privacy. Read more about the appointment here.

Even further evidence of the new administrations commitment to technology is the announcement that Macon Phillips was named “White House new-media director.” Phillips will be responsible for extending Obama’s message and engaging the public using new media tools. That’s certainly something new and it will be interesting to see how that effort transpires.

For a president who owes much of his campaign success to technology let’s hope he continues to embrace it throughout his administration and leverages technology as an important industry that can lead us out of our current economic struggles. Time will tell.

To continue this discussion and leave a comment, visit the INT forum.

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IT key to green movement

“Going green” is big business these days. Just look at the stimulus package and you’ll see that those who hold the highest positions in the land think greening our efforts is key to long term environmental and economic stability. Now we’re not here to weigh in on that debate but we will say that executing these green efforts is going to come down in large part to the IT industry. It’s not something many think about but whether it’s solar, wind, or anything else, IT is going to play a big role.

The environmental movement is another reason to keep jobs on U.S. soil too. Solving these issues is going to take the collective effort of a variety of industries right here at home. So regardless of where you stand on the debate, if you’re in the IT industry, at least be positive about the opportunities. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these recent articles centered on the IT green movement. Read them here and here.

To continue this discussion and leave a comment, visit the INT forum.

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Why ethics are even more important during a recession.

This is a dangerous time for businesses and their employees. Many people are moving past worry and on to near panic and for good reason. Stocks are tumbling, unemployment rates rising, and the outlook is bleak for the rest of 2009. It’s enough to give even the savviest of businessperson pause. All that said, as businesses continue to cut, slash and downgrade in their attempts to survive, there will be opportunity to stand apart by demonstrating a commitment to good business ethics.

The nervousness that permeates today’s business runs from top to bottom. CEO’s are worried about their businesses ability to survive through the recession and employees are worried about maintaining their jobs, feeding their families, and continuing to make their mortgage. Nervousness breeds skepticism which in turn can make for bad decisions all the way around…..this is where ethical practices can act as a front to stop this cycle.

As times get tough we’re compelled to do one of two things. Duck and cover and look out for ourselves or take stock of what’s truly important and invest in our people and relationships. While taking the first approach might buy you some time, it’s almost a guaranteed lose over the long run. Just ask Bernard Madoff.

I believe the way business persons and company’s respond in these stressful times will demonstrate their true character and define how they are judged for years to come.

Honesty will be paramount as we continue to navigate through the challenges ahead. Even if news is bad, being upfront with our employees and customers builds trust, respect and a sense of partnership that can very well make the difference between success and failure.

We are not alone in our challenges. Those who share them with us are looking for islands of stability and hope in the sea of turmoil. When we demonstrate the characteristics that exemplify good business done with good ethics we become that island. We become that place of hope that they can and will invest in. We become stronger for our efforts and we gain the reputation that will be remembered long past our current challenges.

To continue this discussion and leave a comment, visit the INT forum.

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