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Open Source in Government: Newport News, Va.
Sam Hiser writes "Open source in government is getting real. Tom Adelstein, in this penetrating interview with Andy Stein, the CIO of Newport News, Virginia, gets to the heart of why the opportunity to build collaborative software pulled the former chief IT architect of Capital One into the public sector. Police, fire and EMT early responders -- and the IT systems that support them - are under Sisyphean pressure to perform, while budgets are sagging. Something's gotta give, and it's going to be the aging software infrastructure in our towns and cities. Are Open Source platforms the only economically viable alternative? Maybe not, but collaboration will have to occur if we want to build the systems to save our lives."
"Open source products, including Linux, are very attractive development platforms with a low barrier to entry."
This entices me, but then I think I could just be spending time at the bar down the street, checking out the local girls with very attractive "development platforms" and low barriers to entry.
I checked, there is no penetration.
Ask yourself just what non-profit means though. All it is in reality is a tax classification. For instance, the largest HMO in our area is classified as non-profit, but the principals of that organization have S-class Benz's as company cars and make high six figure salaries. Non-profit does not mean lower costs of healthcare.
Yes, but that HMO still feels the natural competitive pressure from other HMOs to ensure they keep costs as low as possible. That doesn't forbid them from hiring high-salary execs, but it does keep those high salaries from being higher than they are...
Police, fire and EMT early responders -- and the IT systems that support them - are under Sisyphean pressure to perform, while budgets are sagging.
... and that the deed got done, because that's the kind of guy Hercules was.
....
Beware the metaphor my son -- the jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
"Sisyphean pressure" sounds impressive, until one considers that Sisyphus never once completed his task.
On the other hand, "Herculean effort" makes clear that a lot of heavy lifting went on
Let's hope that the EMT's who respond to my heart attack are less Sisyphean and more Herculean
-kgj
-kgj
It's not the baker's fault you can't bake a cake out of a turd and have it taste good.
Whatever...
Power corrupts. PowerPoint corrupts absolutely. E. Tufte
For instance, the largest HMO in our area is classified as non-profit, but the principals of that organization have S-class Benz's as company cars and make high six figure salaries. Non-profit does not mean lower costs of healthcare.
Six-figure salaries don't mean higher costs of health care either. Non-profit doesn't have to mean that executives do their work for charity. Fact is, more and more public agencies and non-profits are finding that by offering competitive salaries and benefits packages for executive positions, they can save money system-wide by getting better managers.
Sure, paying someone more doesn't mean they'll do a better job. But if you're out to find the best person for the job, paying more usually makes it more likely you'll actually get them.
Don't you wish your girlfriend was a geek like me?
How do you hide $100 from a Surgeon?
Put it in a Book.
How do you hide $100 from an Internist?
Put it under a bandage.
How do you hide $100 from a Cardiologist?
You can't hide $100 from a Cardiologist...
Linux - Because Mommy taught me to Share.