While it is true that a platform such as GitHub is not really designed to be as user friendly as, say, Facebook, the fact is that the sharing of technical expertise among mid-level IT staff and data administrators in different governmental agencies has probably been at least as important to open data progress as the Administration’s top down support.
“Mobile First” Is An Obsolete Strategy
Government “mobile strategy” must evolve beyond a device focus to a user focus. What we refer to as “mobile devices” today are just the tip of the iceberg as we contemplate our movement through an increasingly interconnected world.
Is the Movie INTERSTELLAR “Good for Girls”?
I had just published a glowing review of the movie Interstellar on my web site. I tweeted a link to the review and received a reply: “is it good for girls?”
These are the podcasts I’m listening to now:
Challenges of Public-Private Interfaces in Open Data and Big Data Partnerships
I would not be surprised if government agencies find themselves experimenting with different organizational and governance structures as they begin to take open data programs more seriously.
Another Advantage of Being a Cord-Never
I’ve learned to tune out the commercials.
Thank goodness for streaming Netflix and Amazon Prime. I’ve seen many movies this past year that I would not have seen otherwise. Many were from previous years but were still new to me.
Getting Real About “Open Data” Part II
When it comes to the “open” data associated with the program, some users will want raw data to do their own thing, some will be satisfied with self-service tools that allow them to interact with the data in various structured or defined ways, and others will be more comfortable relying on the services of intermediaries that understand the data, the tools, and are qualified to interpret the information requirements of those they serve.
When are collaboration “barriers” good for innovation?
I’ve seen too many instances of “bottom-up” or “middle out” innovation where groups of people got together, grabbed the tools at hand, and started working together without waiting for senior management or central IT to show the way.
If you’re going to do that, and if you’re serious about providing data in a manner that enhances its availability and usefulness, you need to understand your audience’s needs in order to provide data in the right size, shape, and form.
It’s probably too easy to blame HR for latching on to what programmer resumes say about tool experience and certifications.
Good and Bad: Update on My Experience Using Two Windows 8.1 Machines
There are just too many variations in the basic user interaction experience that aren’t being easily handled in a unified fashion by Windows 8.1. That’s a serious issue that goes back to basic design decisions regarding the relationship between software functionality and physical delivery platform.
Compendium: My Guest Posts for the BaleFire Global Open Data Blog
The full .pdf of this compendium can be downloaded here: /compendium1.pdf
The SoftPMO project management system (see www.softPMO.com) employs reusable and customizable process “templates” that help project managers rapidly plan and efficiently manage critical project management processes.
Dear Project Manager: What's Your Mobile Communication Strategy?
You’re a modern project manager. You use modern tools to help run your project and communicate with your team, your project sponsors, and your stakeholders. Where do mobile technologies like smart phones, tablets, and wearables fit in?
Should Apple Take Over Google Glass?
During a recent edition of This Week in Google, Leo and Company all but “stuck a fork” in Google Glass by declaring it dead as a product.
Having grown up with a love for traditional Broadway type musicals this Sondheim play is unique and extremely well written as it focuses on art, creativity, and relationships.
While the Apple Watch product looks fantastic, one caveat might be that there is so much new and different about its functionality and its interface that it might take time for adoption to reach critical mass. That’s where Apple has an advantage here. They have resources to throw at this and the wherewithal to integrate the Watch with all their other products and services. That’s an awesome possibility that I think may actually may pay off in really big way for them and their customers.
Does Replacing Freedom of Information Request Handling With Open Data Based Self Service Reduce Operating Costs?
What I would really like to see are numbers on how making data “open” impacts the costs of providing citizen responsive services.