Surprising Health IT Opportunities in Obama's Federal Budget

A look at the week of March 5 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, Republicans prepare to introduce an alternative cyber bill in the House.  Nextgov.com takes a look at how cloud computing will change the way federal agencies work.  GovernmentHealthIT examines how the President’s new budget may affect health IT.


Republicans Prep Secure IT Act in the House — Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) plan to introduce the Secure IT Act, a GOP-backed cybersecurity bill, in the House this week, according to aides for both lawmakers. The measure is an alternative to the Cybersecurity Act backed by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT). Unlike the Lieberman-Collins bill, the Republicans’ Secure IT Act would not give the Homeland Security Department the power to require critical computer systems to meet certain security standards. Instead, says The Hill, their measure focuses on encouraging private companies to share information about cyberthreats with the government and toughening penalties for cybercrimes.


Cloud Computing May Disrupt Federal Workplaces — Cloud computing has the power to break down office walls by allowing teleworkers to be just as productive as their office-bound peers, advocates say. Others predict it will break the tyranny of the email inbox, replacing it with more collaborative communications and tear down procurement barriers that have kept federal technology stuck behind the private sector.  Nextgov.com looks at implications for the cloud in outsourcing, efficiency and teleworking in government agencies.


Surprising Health IT Opportunities in Obama's Federal Budget — The recent release of the President’s 2013 federal budget indicates a robust market for industry in the health IT marketplace. The 2013 budget request is estimated at $11.8 billion, for instance, a slight increase from the 2012 levels of $11.6 billion, reports Government Health IT. This boost in funding demonstrates the important role health IT provides in advancing our nation’s healthcare system.