Page 43 - FCW, May/June 2020

SEWP Contract Guide
These technologies can winnow potential threats to the few that deserve human attention. For lower- level threats, agencies have the option of automating processes that handle them without human intervention.
While security is arguably the most important use of artificial intelligence and data analytics, agencies are finding many ways to use these technologies. The VA is incorporating AI in several projects to reduce wait time, monitor customer service and predict patient outcomes. The State Department
is using data analytics and machine learning to better understand what is happening
at posts throughout the world
— and to better understand the technology that will be needed in the future.
A culture of sharing
The President’s Management Agenda notes that agencies
must think differently about
how they collaborate across the federal government, including collaboration within agencies and with external partners.
The concept of sharing information to improve results
is hardly new, but mechanisms
for doing it safely have changed. Sending unencrypted, unsecured email files is no longer acceptable, for example.
Collaboration requires a balance between ease of use and security. Even if an agency relies on cloud-based collaboration tools — asynchronous (non real-time) and synchronous (real-time) collaboration software, conferencing tools, coordination software, and project tools — those tools must allow agencies to control authorization and access.
Before implementing any new
technology, it’s important to understand your agency’s priorities, restrictions and compliance issues. The key is determining the right use cases and technology that will work well with the agency’s priorities, Thamasett says.
Computing at the edge
Edge computing is a way of storing and processing data closer to the sensors, edge servers and users’ computers where it was created. For
an emergency warning, there may
not be time for data to be sent to the cloud. In other cases, it’s a compliance issue. There are times, for example, when uploading data to the cloud might present privacy or data security issues. Using local sensors can address that problem by allowing agencies
to collect real-time information and transmit data via edge computing devices.
Edge computing is not appropriate for all situations. It is critical to
choose edge devices capable of operating in prevailing conditions. To understand appropriate use cases and devices, consider working with a partner who has expertise in edge computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT and public sector requirements.
Modernizing IT architecture won’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. To determine what should be modernized and on what timeline, start by evaluating your current environment and mapping it to mission requirements, Thamasett advises. There will probably be areas where current technology is not meeting those requirements.
NASA’s long-standing Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement
(SEWP) contract helps federal agencies to deal with those challenges. SEWP has earned a reputation for
fast delivery, low fees and exemplary customer service. And its huge array of products and services — software, Infrastructure and Platform as a Service offerings, data analytics, Internet of Things devices and other cutting-edge technologies, as well as procurement planning, installation, training, maintenance and engineering services, etc., — helps agencies to modernize their IT architectures.
FCW | CUSTOM REPORT
S-37
While cloud computing continues to benefit federal agencies, edge computing sometimes makes more sense.
the right use cases and processes, edge computing can increase performance, efficiency and security. The use of edge computing is expected to grow significantly over the next several years, driven by growth of internet- connected sensors.
While cloud computing continues to benefit federal agencies, edge computing sometimes makes more sense. In situations where speed
is critical, such as verifying the identity of large numbers of people in a government facility or issuing