The Foreign Service Journal, February 2004

information security fear intrusions into the network and legal liabilities involved with “Sensitive But Unclass- ified” information such as Social Security numbers and privacy infor- mation on the network. The depart- ment has also suffered its share of the viruses and worms that plague every- one on the Internet. But the department takes a much more conservative approach to mobile computing than do other government agencies or the private sector. And considering the global shift to mobile F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 11 S P E A K I N G O U T u User Survey WHAT STATE EMPLOYEES WANT FROM IT Based upon our professional awareness of what State does and what current technology offers to support diplomatic activities, the eDiplomacy Office reviewed eight information technology features with State employees through face-to-face encounters (including at overseas meetings) and through a first- ever poll of almost 900 substantive officers and staff in March and April 2003. The identified business requirements are ranked in order of importance to users as follows. 1. User-friendly access to OpenNet e-mail from wherever you are, at home or abroad. The ability to receive OpenNet e-mail wherever needed, including from home and while traveling. 2. Collaboration across agency boundaries. The ability to send interagency classified and SBU emails, access a full address/contact interagency directory, share/access interagency information through secure Web sites and more. 3. Single login for all places and all user applications. Once the user logs onto her/his computer, no further logins would be necessary to access all the data, programs and services that user requires and has access to. That same login would work on any department computer anywhere, including overseas. 4. Viewing available information at the desktop using intelligent search and profiling. The ability to receive information via advanced (Google-like) search and easily defined profiles to filter and define exactly the information the user wants. 5. One-stop access to information resources and user-friendly applications that provide the information and services that users need for all aspects of work and career. The ability to personalize a home page to access information and services from all relevant sources. 6. Integrated messaging. Sending and receiving core messaging modali- ties: faxes, e-mails, voice mails, alerts, etc. through a common user interface. 7. Collaboration tools that facilitate cooperation and sharing without regard to limitations of time and location. The ability to use standard collab- oration tools such as virtual meeting spaces and shared filing, instant messag- ing, video conferencing, Internet (IP) telephony. 8. Full-featured Web page to facilitate the promulgation and exchange of State Department information and views with all relevant audiences. The ability to build and use Web sites or to offer e-government services that provide the industry-standard experience that users inside and outside government have come to expect. “...I thank you for speaking out, having the courage of your convictions ... that’s what my people are supposed to do. I encourage all of my people to stand up for what they believe, speak out, let us know what they think.” —Colin L. Powell Secretary of State 2004 AFSA AWARD FOR CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT Make an awards nomination. Go to www.afsa.org/awards.cfm Deadline: February 2004. Give a one year Journal subscription to the school of your choice. PASS IT ON