Find resources for converging voice, video and data into a single powerful and secure network. See how the U.S. Postal service is reducing travel costs by using a Unified Communications network to connect, communicate and collaborate at a distance.

BIA is no longer MIA online

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is back online and ready to improve service to its 10,000 employees and 40,000 students.

BIA launched a new website in October and is working on an internal portal to enhance collaboration among employees as well as other government agencies.

A seven-year legal dispute prevented BIA from having a website.

"{Members of the development team} were working like maniacs before last summer to get ready to be back on the Internet," said Al Foster, acting chief information officer at BIA.

According to BIA, the internal portal will be built on a standard and flexible platform. It will also have a robust enterprise search engine and could support secure single sign-on capabilities. It's expected to be complete in December.

In addition to a rebirth online, Foster says the network has undergone massive upgrades and security improvements.

"We are really in the midst of a technology revolution," Foster says.

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A unified facility to watch cybersecurity

There is now an extra pair of eyes watching and protecting the nation's cybersecurity.

The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center will serve as a unified operations center for the Department of Homeland Security. The 24-7 operation in a state-of-the-art facility will address any and all threats to the United States' critical infrastructure.

"Securing America's cyber infrastructure requires a coordinated and flexible system to detect threats and communicate protective measures to our federal, state, local, and private sector partners and the public," said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.

The facility will not only mitigate the risks that could disrupt critical IT functions and services, but also give flexibility in handling traditional voice and more modern data networks, according to a statement from DHS.

The NCCIC will include the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, the National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications, and the National Cyber Security Center.

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A more mobile, connected armed forces

Turning the Army into a highly mobile and connected force is the idea behind a new initiative that is evolving into a crucial collaboration tool, according to the Defense Department.

Part of the Global Network Enterprise Construct includes a networked system that will support warfighters in Iraq, Afghanistan and anywhere in the world and improve interoperability among the armed forces.

"This can't be an Army deal," Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Sorenson, the Army's chief information officer, tells Government Computer News. "It's got to be a joint deal."

And Sorenson says the GNEC will constantly evolve over time and adapt to the warfighter.

"We need to realize the economies and efficiencies while improving effectiveness. It's all about improving situational awareness"

The GNEC, which began this year, is on a three year plan.

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Swine flu could give VoIP a boost

The H1N1 virus is a viable threat to American businesses and government agencies, but it could give VoIP a shot in the arm.

M5 Networks says it's offering its clients a range of free or low-cost "out-of-office" communications options based on its Voice-over Internet Protocol services.

"H1N1, as well as conventional flu and other common seasonal ailments, pose an enormous risk to companies this year," said Heather Bennett, marketing director for M5 Networks. "Our VoIP-based telecommunications services are key to maintaining worker productivity while employees are caring for family members."

According to the The Brookings Institute, the United States could lose 10 percent of all work hours, based on the number of households in which at least one parent or guardian misses work to care for their infected children.

M5 Networks cites its Remote IP phones, softphones and fax-to-email service as ways to make employees productive while working from home.

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