The mobile revolution isn't new to many agencies. Laptops and BlackBerrys have been standard issue for many government executives for the last decade. What is different, however, is the widespread use of smartphones and tablet computers. Both agencies and citizens hold new and more immediate expectations because of these devices, and the government must adapt to this technololgy. In our special report, Gov 3.0: It's Mobile, Federal News Radio explores how some agencies are meeting the demand internally and externally for mobile devices and apps. The challenge, like any new technology, is ensuring these devices actually help meet mission goals and don't become just another shiny toy.

As move to mobile grows, federal workforce adapts to new normal

The mobile revolution isn't new to many agencies. Laptops and BlackBerrys have been standard issue for many government executives for the last decade. What is different, however, is the widespread use of smartphones and tablet computers. Both agencies and citizens hold new and more immediate expectations because of these devices, and the government must adapt to this technololgy. In our special report, Gov 3.0: It's Mobile, Federal News Radio explores how some agencies are meeting the demand internally and externally for mobile devices and apps. The challenge, like any new technology, is ensuring these devices actually help meet mission goals and don't become just another shiny toy.

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Mobile-minded CIOs point to importance of business case

Federal agencies across the government have dipped their toes in the mobile pond. While agencies have implemented the new technology for a variety of reasons, there are a couple of common lessons learned shared by the early adopters. Two federal chief information officers who have overseen their agency's mobile transitions shared best practices and compelling use-cases in a panel discussion as part of Federal News Radio's special series, Gov 3.0: It's Mobile.

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Column: Confessions of a BlackBerry lover

Starting a new relationship can be hard, especially if it begins with the breakup of a long-time companion. As more federal agencies dump their old BlackBerry smartphones and transition to the iPhone or Android-based devices, some managers are finding it difficult to make the switch.

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Mobile computing fuels Arlington Cemetery modernization

Just two years ago, Arlington National Cemetery was plagued by mismarked and unidentified gravesites and incomplete paper records. Now, the Army has at its disposal a massive, GPS-enabled digital database of every gravesite. And what's more — the cemetery has made the database available to the public via its website and a mobile application.

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Budget pressures force EEOC to shift gears

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission needed to find savings after its IT budget received a 15 percent reduction in 2012. Kim Hancher, the EEOC CIO, decided to reduce spending on mobile devices and instituted a BYOD policy to cut spending by almost 50 percent.
December 6, 2012

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VA's mobile projects put iPads in hands of doctors - and patients

The Veterans Affairs Department's mobile projects have centered on improving internal business processes and changing how the agency interacts with the public. The department's "Clinic-in-Hand" program, which will launch early next year, will deploy iPads to family caregivers of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. And increasingly VA doctors and nurses are eschewing the clipboards and prescription pads in favor of mobile options.

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Industry Chatter: Optimos CEO Lisa Mascolo on the mobile future

Lisa Mascolo, the CEO of enterprise IT firm Optimos joins Industry Chatter with Francis Rose to discuss mobile technology trends for the future.

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Column: With foundation for federal mobility in place, time to take on next set of challenges

Rick Holgate, the assistant director and chief information officer for Office of Science and Technology in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said the Digital Government Strategy helped get agencies moving in the right direction around mobile.

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Mobile Strategy by agency

As part of our special report, Gov 3.0: It's Mobile, Federal News Radio polled 28 agencies about the status of their mobile and Bring-Your-Own-Device strategies. Of the 21 agencies that responded, most reported they either had a mobile strategy in place or were developing one.

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MHS takes cautious, yet innovative, approach to mobile health initiatives

Mark Goodge, the chief technology officer of the Military Health System, said the agency is putting the right frameworks and policies in place to enable a more robust computing environment where patients and health care providers can take advantage of smartphones and tablets. With 9.6 million people under its care, Goodge said MHS's number one priority is security.

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The New Fed: Superhero or 24/7 puppet?

Uncle Sam is evolving rapidly in the high-tech and mobility world. But is that always a good thing? Senior Correspondent Mike Causey wants to know: Has it turned civil servants into workout superheroes or are they becoming 24/7 puppets?

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