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The tight coupling that currently binds Defense Department architecture—the infrastructure, communications, databases, applications, security and desktops into more than 2,200 unique silos—must be separated. Right now, each silo is the consequence of contracts in which all software is assembled into a one-of-a-kind collection of codes. The resulting software is costly to maintain; applications are not interoperable; and lack of compatibility complicates the exchange of data.

Government information technology is an area rife with issues for discussion. These include enterprise initiatives, mobile computing, the cloud in all its forms, cybersecurity and many more. However, one activity is the key to making all government information technology useful and secure: the common operating environment.

The future of computing is being shaped by breakthroughs in many facets of the industry, but no matter the devices or the Internet services they access, all will be influenced by the computer chip. Innovations in this area will help drive advancements in others, and big names in the field are hard at work to enable emerging capabilities.

This caught my attention and I recommend it to all sales personnel, business developers and managers of same:

Social networking with a video twist. The mobile-to-mobile video network allows users to share and watch 15-second video clips right from their phones.

A new strategy for certifying commercial launch vehicles aims to expand the number of companies qualified for space launch missions. The entrant launch vehicle certification strategy is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Office and NASA.

An attack on India by terrorists based in Pakistan could lead to the unthinkable, as retaliation by India probably would escalate into a nuclear response by Pakistan.

Unintended consequences may dampen early success in Libya. The lessons learned by rogue nations such as North Korea and Iran is not to give up nuclear weapons.

It's time for the United States to review its national policy and develop procedures for going after cyberspace intruders. This may be the only way to have an effect on persistent cyber attacks.

The United States must partner closely with Asia-Pacific nations to ensure that regional security and stability persist in that region. Sacrificing presence in favor of budget cuts would be the wrong move right now.