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InfoTech: Is Obama the tech president
1 Dec, 2008 By: Tyler Whitaker Landscape ManagementBy most accounts, this past presidential election cycle has been exhausting. Excitement from both sides was generated by the prospect a conclusion — any conclusion.
Regardless of whether you voted for Barack Obama, it's time to understand the technology changes coming in the next four years.
Obama has been labeled as the first "Internet president." His ability to organize and communicate online was a new twist for presidential elections. His use of social networking and other Web sites sets him apart. The question is whether his use of technology will continue in the White House.
Chief technology officer
Obama plans to appoint the nation's first chief technology officer (CTO), to ensure our government uses best-in-class technologies and each agency shares best practices. The CTO will also be responsible for the safety of our networks.
Raising technology policy to a national level can only help to bring the best minds of the country together. The challenge will be to find someone with enough government experience coupled with the tech credibility to be effective in the position.
Increased government transparency
Clearly, this is not just a technology problem to be solved. But the development and use of cutting-edge technology to create a new level of transparency, accountability and participation for America's citizens will clearly be a huge step forward.
The concern is that old-school Washington will be hesitant to have the reality of governance-by-compromise laid out for the American public.
Next-generation broadband
It goes without saying that any increase in Internet bandwidth and connectivity is a good thing. Obama is suggesting that this is possible through reforming the Universal Service Fund, use of wireless spectrum, next-gen technology, and tax and loan incentives.
Energy
We are all be aware of the need for clean and renewable domestic energy sources. Obama's plan calls for $150 billion over the next 10 years to advance biofuels, plug in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid. The plan would create 5 million new jobs. I'll be excited to see a plan with specifics.
It's easy, reading Obama's technology plan, to find goals with which I agree. Campaign promises are built that way for a reason. What will really impress me is if these promises materialize in meaningful and effective ways. That will be the true measure of Obama's influence on technology.
— The author is a freelance technologist focusing in business automation. Contact him at 801/592-2810 or visit his blog at
www.tylerwhitaker.com.
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