The Foreign Service Journal, February 2004

computing, it should loosen unreason- able regulations. To eliminate (rather than manage) the risk of exposing some SBU information, we are fenc- ing off everything. Meanwhile, let’s be honest. Many employees have found workarounds on hotmail and Yahoo! accounts, and on completely unmoni- tored home computers. Is this part of our security policy? As long as sensitive information remains undifferentiated on the unclassified network, we are likely to lag behind current business practice with regard to remote access to e-mail and other information sources. Unless State can find a technology solution to the problem of protecting SBU material, it may have to begin to segregate that information, so as to protect it while we enable our work- force to get on with the daily unclassi- fied work. It’s All About “How” In short, State Department employees are facing a new informa- tion environment, and that environ- ment will shape new ways of doing their jobs. State’s major problem is no longer a lack of information technology. Our focus should turn to how we are using what we have. How do you do business? The eDiplomacy Office would like to hear from you. Write us at http://www. extranet.state.gov/m/ediplomacy.  Joe B. Johnson is acting director of the State Department Office of eDiplo- macy. This new office advises State’s senior leaders on the department’s business needs for information tech- nology. It is also developing a knowl- edge leadership program and expand- ing State’s electronic information sharing with other government agen- cies. 12 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 4 S P E A K I N G O U T u 2400 Virginia Ave., N.W Washington, D.C., 20037 Tel: (202) 293-2000 E-mail: leasingoffice@columbiaplaza.net Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 AM-5:30 PM Sat 10:00 AM-4:00 PM 24 Hour Front Desk Garage Parking Avaliable Controlled Access Potomac River Views Minutes to Fine Dining Newly Renovated Kitchens Directly across the street from Main State, minutes to Kennedy Center and Georgetown Beautiful and Spacious: Efficiency $1,100 - $1,250 1 Bedroom 1,400 - 1,700 2 Bedroom 2,100 - 2,700 Utilities Included Complimentary Voice Mail Courtyard Style Plaza Polished Hardwood Floors Private Balconies Huge Walk-in Closets Toll Free 1-888-240-5131 Capital Living With Comfort and Convenience 24 Hour Fitness Center columbia plaza apartments