DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION BLOG SERIES

Introduction to the ATARC Blog Series “What is digital modernization?”

ATARC is excited to present our latest collaboration of “What is digital modernization?”, a blog series with former Fed of 18F, Brian Fox, and our Industry Chair Jennifer Kenney-Smith from our Digital Transformation Group. This monthly blog series will present a fresh new perspective on the opportunities true digital modernization is offering to the Federal Government. We hope it facilitates a discussion on the need to modernize technology in government and how to best approach this transformational effort.

Clearly government systems can benefit from modernization, and they provide critical services to our nation. It is important that they are easy to access and use, secure, protect PII collected by them, and are resilient to cyber attacks. We’ve seen some really compelling, exciting, even disruptive transformations in the midst of a pandemic, and we hope to share those stories in this series, so all of thegovernment can learn from those brave lessons.

Meanwhile, over the past few decades computer networks have expanded into every American home and nearly every American’s back pocket. While some government systems were designed prior to widespread computer use, the average American is consuming information via their smartphone. The user’s expectations are shaped by the tech industry, with secure, easy to use (fun to use, addicting even!) applications available for most private services. The American public naturally asks: “why isn’t my government digital experience like the experiences on ____.com?” So, there’s clearly a wonderful opportunity in front of us to improve government digital services.

Overall, I think it’s an exciting time to be involved in the modernization and transformation of digital services in government. These systems are becoming increasingly important for the citizens that rely on the services and content they provide. It’s also critical for the government staff (federal or contractor) that rely on these systems in order to provide services to the public, build the physical infrastructure, analyze climate change, defend our country, and support our judicial system, to name just a few use cases.

All of this begs the question: What is digital modernization? You’ll probably get a different answer from users, CIOs, vendors, and those that are involved in the day-to-day work of building and maintaining the digital capabilities America relies upon. So, look forward to guest writers continuing this discussion on “what is a digital modernization?” on the ATARC blog. If you’d like to be a part of the discussion, please feel free to comment or if you’d like to participate as a guest writer please submit your blog entry to JenniferSmith@gitlab.com and Brian.Fox@OmniFederal.com. It’s clear the question is simple, but the answer is tough…and really depends on the provider, customer, and intended use. Thanks again!

Jennifer Kenney-Smith is the Area Sales Manager GitLab & Industry Chair- Leadership at ATARC
Brian Fox is the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Omni Federal