50 Must-Read Federal Government IT Blogs 2013
Our must-read list of federal IT blogs is back and better than ever.
In 2012, FedTech editors selected 50 of the best government IT blogs on the web. The list was a hit with our readers but we wanted to make it an even more valuable resource.
This year, FedTech asked the community to help find the best federal technology blogs. We were overwhelmed by the response. Readers submitted 33 blogs and voted more than 300 times. We rounded out the 50 with some of our favorites, making this list an incredible resource for the federal IT community.
Below, you'll find resources for CIOs, contractors, IT professionals and tech enthusiasts. The list covers all the important topics — cloud, mobile Big Data, telework and data centers to name a few — along with advice for IT managers and news on policy and legislation.
Do you think we missed a great blog? Let us know in the Comments. If your blog was selected, grab a badge to share your honor with your readers.
Update: Check out our Twitter list.
Dr. Chaos
Aamir Lakhani, who goes by the pseudonym Dr. Chaos, is the brains behind this excellent blog. As an information-security professional, his skills and insight are highly sought after these days. Check out his blog for the latest in hacking, mobile, Big Data and all things security.
Must-Read Post: Big Data Security Analytics: The Changing Face of Security Information and Event Management
Follow: @aamirlakhani | Read the blog: drchaos.com
Cisco Government Blog
Cisco is one of the federal government’s most important partners. To the great benefit of the entire technology community, Cisco’s experts blog regularly about the technology they use to power federal agencies. You’ll find in-depth resources on cybersecurity, unified communications, mobility and a lot more.
Must-Read Post: Smithsonian Upgrades Network with Cisco Optical Solution and Switches
Follow: @CiscoGovt | Read the blog: blogs.cisco.com/government
The Business of Government
Technology is finally important in the C-suite. In government, this means leaders in Congress are talking IT — directly and indirectly — every day. This is the business behind some of the biggest tech investments in the world. IBM’s The Business of Government blog helps public sector executives “improve the effectiveness of government with practical ideas and original thinking.”
Must-Read Post: The Future of Online Citizen Services
Follow: @BusOfGovernment | Read the blog: businessofgovernment.org
Federal Blue Print
Security is top of mind in federal IT and on the Federal Blue Print blog. Five experts from Blue Coat gather here to talk cybersecurity and its implications for mobile, cloud, data and policy. Be sure to also check out the Federal Blue Print podcast on BlogTalkRadio.
Must-Read Post: Mobile Security: Mobile Device Management is Not Enough
Follow: @BlueCoatFed | Read the blog: federalblueprint.com
DigitalGov
The DigitalGov blogs asks: “Are you ready to talk online media, digital trends, social media and innovation in government?” If you answered yes, consider yourself lucky that the GSA’s Center for Excellence in Digital Government has created this insightful blog. Edited by Lisa Nelson with contributions from social media maven Justin Herman and feds across the government, this blog is representative of the GSA’s aggressive approach to digital resources for citizens and federal agencies.
Must-Read Post: What Is a “Customer Centric” Culture?
Follow: @GovNewMedia | Read the blog: blog.howto.gov
The Public Sector View
Polycom, the brains behind The Public Sector View, is a leading provider of unified communications solutions for the government. As telework, BYOD and mobility heat up, news and analysis from the specialists at Polycom will become increasingly useful. Get on board this train now — it’s not slowing down.
Must-Read Post: GSA goes “all-in” with desk-sharing and telework
Follow: @Polycom | Read the blog: publicsectorview.com
Realize the Value
When it comes to federal IT, it’s important that you’re never an underpants gnome. That’s the wonderful analogy Mark Bittmann uses in his recent article about Big Data. This blog makes tech fun without sacrificing the important IT analysis that makes it a useful resource for feds.
Must-Read Post: Don't be an Underpants Gnome
Follow: @AgilexTech | Read the blog: agilex.com/realize-the-value
GovLoop
With a community of more than 60,000, GovLoop’s blog section has something for everyone. Anyone with an account can post ideas for making the government better with technology, and you’ll find great information daily. While you’re there, check out GovLoop’s excellent guides on the most important topics in federal IT.
Must-Read Post: 5 Post-Shutdown Silver Linings for the Federal Workforce
Follow: @govloop | Read the blog: govloop.com
Federal Technology Insider
Have you ever felt like technology is both a blessing and a curse? You’ll find those exact words on the Federal Technology Insider “About” page. IT is changing the way government functions as smart people solve very challenging problems. This blog addresses those challenges and highlights the innovators that are making real change happen.
Must-Read Post: The Department of Veterans Affairs Embraces Secure BYOD to Improve Service for Military
Follow: @FedTechInsider | Read the blog: federaltechnologyinsider.com
USDA Blog
There are two lessons to be learned from the technology section of the USDA’s blog. First, agriculture is impressively high tech. Second, the USDA is doing an excellent job of using blogging to engage U.S. citizens. This site serves as an example of how agencies are experimenting with new ways to achieve the goals outlined in the Digital Government Strategy.
Must-Read Post: Young Texas Trio Brings Technology to the Farm
Follow: @USDA | Read the blog: blogs.usda.gov/category/technology
TechSource
Federal IT leaders are probably tired of being told to do more with less, but TechSource is actually providing resources — including great blog posts and a podcast — to make it a little easier to meet that challenge. Five bloggers highlight the latest tech trends in government, and an entire section of the site is dedicated to the Veterans Affairs Department.
Must-Read Post: Sequestration: Technologies to Help Government Remain Mission-Focused in 2014
Follow: @Iron_Bow | Read the blog: techsource.ironbow.com
Mobile Gov Blog
The future of government is mobile. Need proof? According to the Mobile Gov Blog, “more pre-schoolers can use a smartphone app than can tie their shoes.” Soon enough, those pre-schoolers will be active U.S. citizens, and they will expect to access government services from mobile devices. This blog, from the Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, is helping agencies make sure their services are mobile-ready.
Must-Read Post: Dolphin and Whale Apps from NOAA Fisheries
Follow: @Digital_Gov | Read the blog: howtomobile.apps.gov
My Cup of IT
MeriTalk hosts some of the best events in the federal IT space. Led by Steve O'Keeffe, whose posts make up the My Cup of IT blog, MeriTalk is a growing resource of thought leadership for IT professionals. Check back for regular posts, sign up for their email newsletter and register for one of their upcoming events in Washington, D.C.
Must-Read Post: Simon Szykman, CIO Commerce – Wingman?
Follow: @MeriTalk | Read the blog: meritalk.com
The Modern Network
Networks are the foundation of technology. Without a fast, secure network, data can’t be shared or analyzed. The experts at Juniper Networks have created this blog to keep federal IT leaders apprised of the latest news, information and tips for keeping networks up to date and safe.
Must-Read Post: