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December 23, 2003
GovPro Newsletter
Tuesday, December 23, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 50
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by MSA
CONTENTS
Real-Time Messages Host Concerns Bridge Blocks Black Ice Win a Digital Camera and MP3 Player Transportation Board Closes Cases News of The Weird
FEATURES
INSTANT MESSAGING: A PORTAL TO ONLINE THREATS?
Once confined to the realm of the teen and college set, Instant Messaging (IM) has successfully transitioned from cool tool to business essential. More than 20 million people worldwide currently use IM for work-related tasks, according to International Data Corporation (IDC), based in Framingham, MA. That figure could soar to 300 million by the end of 2005.
Many government users have likewise hopped on the IM bandwidth. For instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses IM to bridge communication gaps among federal, state, and local emergency relief workers. In addition, every agency in the State of Utah can access IM to expedite a variety of internal communications.
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has also installed IM throughout its nationwide network. Headquartered in Washington, DC, PERF is a national membership organization of police executives from the largest federal, state, and city law-enforcement agencies.
IM gives you much faster access to information, says Ismaila Kane, Assistant Director of Information Systems at PERF. If a co-worker is in Chicago, he or she can contact me in real time using IM, rather than trying to track me down via the phone system.
In the corporate world, the rise of IM is particularly evident. According to a study conducted by Osterman Research, based in Black Diamond, WA, IM currently plays a role in 91 percent of enterprise computer environments. However, problems can surface because IM adoption is often driven by the end user, rather than by top management.
For full text and graphics, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.2.43xs.5bxn
TECHNOLOGY INCREASES SAFETY FOR WINTER TRAVELERS
The Mississippi River Bridge on Interstate 35 in downtown Minneapolis is eight lanes wide, 1,950 feet long and prone to developing dangerous patches of black ice during Minnesotas infamous winters.
The bridge is at a major hub in the citynear the junction with Interstate 94, the Metrodome sports complex, and the University of Minnesotaand it carries an average of 139,000 cars and trucks per day, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT).
One pileup in the morning could cause miles of delays, said John Scharfbillig, a DOT project director.
But the bridge has seen nearly 70 percent fewer snow- and ice-related accidents since Minnesota installed a sophisticated anti-icing system on it before the winter of 2000-2001a prime example of the many ways U.S. states are using high technology to make their roadways safer.
Many of the new technologies rely on statewide networks of roadway weather stations that relay information electronically to transportation department computers for analysis.
MSA
Since 1914, MSA has been offering a complete line of personal protection equipment and instruments.
MSA has over two thousand products on GSA schedules covering Respiratory Protection, Head/Eye/Face/Hearing Protection, Fall Protection, Portable Instruments for Gas Detection and Mining/Emergency/Specialty Equipment.
Visit GSA Advantage!, http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.4.44b7.5bxn
to see MSA products under contract or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158 for a GSA catalog.
WE'RE GIVING AWAY A SAMSUNG DIGIMAX 35 DIGITAL CAMERA AND MP3 PLAYER! Tell us about your planned purchases of mobile communications equipment and systems for 2004. Your valuable input will help us understand current usage and future needs in the marketplace. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.5.3wpr.5bxn
NEWS
NTSB REPORTS LOWEST NUMBER OF "OPEN" RECOMMENDATIONS SINCE 1975
For the first time since 1975, the number of "open" safety recommendations on the National Transportation Safety Board's books has dipped below 1,000.
In making the announcement, NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman Conners said, "Since becoming Chairman in March, one of my priorities at the NTSB has been cleaning up our record, and that includes addressing languishing safety recommendations. Open recommendations mean that the safety loop is not closedopen recommendations mean that our job is not done."
The current number of open safety recommendations is 989 and the Chairman emphasized, "This major milestone is the result of the Safety Board's hard work and strong emphasis on aggressively pursuing safety. We must continue to work with our partners in safety to complete the safety chain and implement our recommendations to save lives."
One of the Chairman's strategies to minimize the open recommendations is to use the "SWAT" Team approach. SWAT, or Safety With A Team, includes frequent meetings with U.S. Department of Transportation and industry leaders to address open NTSB recommendations.
Since its inception in 1967, the Safety Board has issued more than 12,100 safety recommendations and has recorded a success rate of almost 82%meaning that the vast majority of its recommendations have been implemented by federal agencies, state and local government, and the transportation industry. Of the 989 open recommendations, 335 relate to aviation, 339 to highway, 125 to marine, 113 to rail, and 47 to pipeline, and 30 intermodal.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.6.43xu.5bxn
EVENT
Plant to attend the 10th National Clean Cities Conference, celebrating A Decade of Drive, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 2-5, 2004. This years focus includes alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, idle reduction technologies, fuel blends, and fuel economy. For more information, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.8.43xv.5bxn
LINKS
Landfill Compactor Cat Landfill Compactors have more stability and trash protection to improve productivity and compaction. Spec your compactor at http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.9.2tfw.5bxn
. Upbeats Institutional Catalog features site furnishings/amenities including trash containers, park benches, picnic tables, ash urns, bike racks, banners and more. Shop online http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.10.2vrr.5bxn
Issue employee badges, student ID cards, membership, or access control cards with SP 35 card printer. Offers excellent image and card quality, while optimizing ribbon usage. Call Team Marketing: 800-344-9054 or visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.11.2vrp.5bxn
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.12.2nuv.5bxn
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.13.1jex.5bxn
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.14.3fvh.5bxn
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify.
To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by MSA
CONTENTS
Real-Time Messages Host Concerns Bridge Blocks Black Ice Win a Digital Camera and MP3 Player Transportation Board Closes Cases News of The Weird
FEATURES
INSTANT MESSAGING: A PORTAL TO ONLINE THREATS?
Once confined to the realm of the teen and college set, Instant Messaging (IM) has successfully transitioned from cool tool to business essential. More than 20 million people worldwide currently use IM for work-related tasks, according to International Data Corporation (IDC), based in Framingham, MA. That figure could soar to 300 million by the end of 2005.
Many government users have likewise hopped on the IM bandwidth. For instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses IM to bridge communication gaps among federal, state, and local emergency relief workers. In addition, every agency in the State of Utah can access IM to expedite a variety of internal communications.
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has also installed IM throughout its nationwide network. Headquartered in Washington, DC, PERF is a national membership organization of police executives from the largest federal, state, and city law-enforcement agencies.
IM gives you much faster access to information, says Ismaila Kane, Assistant Director of Information Systems at PERF. If a co-worker is in Chicago, he or she can contact me in real time using IM, rather than trying to track me down via the phone system.
In the corporate world, the rise of IM is particularly evident. According to a study conducted by Osterman Research, based in Black Diamond, WA, IM currently plays a role in 91 percent of enterprise computer environments. However, problems can surface because IM adoption is often driven by the end user, rather than by top management.
For full text and graphics, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.2.43xs.5bxn
TECHNOLOGY INCREASES SAFETY FOR WINTER TRAVELERS
The Mississippi River Bridge on Interstate 35 in downtown Minneapolis is eight lanes wide, 1,950 feet long and prone to developing dangerous patches of black ice during Minnesotas infamous winters.
The bridge is at a major hub in the citynear the junction with Interstate 94, the Metrodome sports complex, and the University of Minnesotaand it carries an average of 139,000 cars and trucks per day, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT).
One pileup in the morning could cause miles of delays, said John Scharfbillig, a DOT project director.
But the bridge has seen nearly 70 percent fewer snow- and ice-related accidents since Minnesota installed a sophisticated anti-icing system on it before the winter of 2000-2001a prime example of the many ways U.S. states are using high technology to make their roadways safer.
Many of the new technologies rely on statewide networks of roadway weather stations that relay information electronically to transportation department computers for analysis.
MSA
Since 1914, MSA has been offering a complete line of personal protection equipment and instruments.
MSA has over two thousand products on GSA schedules covering Respiratory Protection, Head/Eye/Face/Hearing Protection, Fall Protection, Portable Instruments for Gas Detection and Mining/Emergency/Specialty Equipment.
Visit GSA Advantage!, http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.4.44b7.5bxn
to see MSA products under contract or call MSA at 1-888-837-2158 for a GSA catalog.
WE'RE GIVING AWAY A SAMSUNG DIGIMAX 35 DIGITAL CAMERA AND MP3 PLAYER! Tell us about your planned purchases of mobile communications equipment and systems for 2004. Your valuable input will help us understand current usage and future needs in the marketplace. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.5.3wpr.5bxn
NEWS
NTSB REPORTS LOWEST NUMBER OF "OPEN" RECOMMENDATIONS SINCE 1975
For the first time since 1975, the number of "open" safety recommendations on the National Transportation Safety Board's books has dipped below 1,000.
In making the announcement, NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman Conners said, "Since becoming Chairman in March, one of my priorities at the NTSB has been cleaning up our record, and that includes addressing languishing safety recommendations. Open recommendations mean that the safety loop is not closedopen recommendations mean that our job is not done."
The current number of open safety recommendations is 989 and the Chairman emphasized, "This major milestone is the result of the Safety Board's hard work and strong emphasis on aggressively pursuing safety. We must continue to work with our partners in safety to complete the safety chain and implement our recommendations to save lives."
One of the Chairman's strategies to minimize the open recommendations is to use the "SWAT" Team approach. SWAT, or Safety With A Team, includes frequent meetings with U.S. Department of Transportation and industry leaders to address open NTSB recommendations.
Since its inception in 1967, the Safety Board has issued more than 12,100 safety recommendations and has recorded a success rate of almost 82%meaning that the vast majority of its recommendations have been implemented by federal agencies, state and local government, and the transportation industry. Of the 989 open recommendations, 335 relate to aviation, 339 to highway, 125 to marine, 113 to rail, and 47 to pipeline, and 30 intermodal.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.6.43xu.5bxn
EVENT
Plant to attend the 10th National Clean Cities Conference, celebrating A Decade of Drive, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 2-5, 2004. This years focus includes alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, idle reduction technologies, fuel blends, and fuel economy. For more information, visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.8.43xv.5bxn
LINKS
Landfill Compactor Cat Landfill Compactors have more stability and trash protection to improve productivity and compaction. Spec your compactor at http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.9.2tfw.5bxn
. Upbeats Institutional Catalog features site furnishings/amenities including trash containers, park benches, picnic tables, ash urns, bike racks, banners and more. Shop online http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.10.2vrr.5bxn
Issue employee badges, student ID cards, membership, or access control cards with SP 35 card printer. Offers excellent image and card quality, while optimizing ribbon usage. Call Team Marketing: 800-344-9054 or visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.11.2vrp.5bxn
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.12.2nuv.5bxn
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.13.1jex.5bxn
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.7gjp.14.3fvh.5bxn
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify.
To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
