Elizabeth Hyman Posts

As a small business owner with eight employees, MJ Shoer, president and virtual chief technology officer of Jenaly Technology Group Inc., sees first-hand the costs and staff time associated with tax compliance.“It seems like an unnecessary distraction that saps resources, time and money,” Shoer noted.  “For example, why do we need to file quarterly payroll tax returns?  It would save me a lot of time and money if I could file a single annual return.”MJ ShoerLike many other small business owners, ...

Wendy Frank, founder of Accell Security, Inc. and Accell Technology Inc., became active in advocating for a change in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal contracting program after finding it an obstacle to her efforts to grow her business. By partnering with CompTIA’s public advocacy team, Frank is making her voice heard in the corridors of Congress.Wendy FrankFrank has been immersed in technology since her childhood, literally growing up around computers and studying Accounting and Co ...

A look at the week of May 7 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, all eyes are on cybersecurity.  Senior military leaders recommended that the Pentagon’s cyberwarfare unit be elevated to full combatant command status.  A National Preparedness Report commissioned by President Obama found that state and local officials are most concerned about the government’s ability to respond to a cyberattack.  Where the responsibility lies in protecting the computers that control critical U.S. inf ...

Now less than six months away from Election Day, campaign season is in full swing.  TV and radio advertising has already begun and candidates are traveling the country raising campaign funds and speaking to large crowds of supporters.  The general election is also becoming clearer after a hotly contested Republican primary.And the Republican Nominee Is …As the Republican presidential field narrows, Governor Mitt Romney is now widely believed to be the presumptive Republican nominee.  Romney has ...

A look at the week of April 30 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, the House passed CISPA, a controversial Republican-backed cybersecurity bill.  The House also passed several other bills relating to cybersecurity, including the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, which increases funding for education and R&D to confront cyberthreats.  Rick Pollack, executive vice president of the American Hospital Association, sent a letter to Health and Human Services saying that electronic medica ...

A look at the week of April 23 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, the House will review four cybersecurity bills, including the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA).  A new small business tax cut was approved by the House this week.  National Journal looks at the role of the House Homeland Security Committee in evaluating cyber legislation.House Boots Up 'Cyber Week'— The House is set to vote on four cybersecurity bills during what lawmakers have dubbed "cyber we ...

A look at the week of April 16 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, the House announced changes to the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act in response to criticism from privacy groups.  John O. Brennan, President Obama’s senior adviser on counterterrorism and homeland security, published an op-ed warning that cyber legislation must be passed quickly.  USA Today looks at the role of community colleges in workforce retraining initiatives for careers in fast growing industri ...

A look at the week of April 9 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  When Congress returns from April recess, it is expected to focus on taxes, jobs and cybersecurity legislation.  Politico examines how the upcoming election is influencing cybersecurity legislation.  At the FOSE conference, futurist Thomas Koulopoulos discussed how disruptive technologies such as cloud computing can change the behavior of government agencies.Taxes, Cybersecurity, Jobs Programs Expected To Dominate April Agenda ...

A look at the week of April 3 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  The JOBS Act passed Congress and was sent to the President.  A new cyber bill favoring information sharing over regulation was introduced in the House.  Shawn Henry, executive assistant director of the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch of the FBI, told the Wall Street Journal that America is losing the cyber war.JOBS Act Clears Congress — Legislation meant to make it easier for small companies to obtain capital fr ...

A look at the week of March 26 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, the Senate passed the House’s JOBS Act, making it easier for small companies to raise capital.  Budget cuts are hindering the government’s ability to hire the best cyber employees.  NPR examines the risks that a cyberattack would have on U.S. critical infrastructure and the best regulatory course of action.Budget Cuts Put Cybersecurity at Risk — Budget limitations are harming the government’s ability to compete wit ...