MaSSSoftech

(CNN) -- The Obama administration has unveiled a government "app store" designed to push the federal bureaucracy into the era of cloud computing.
The change means some federal employees will begin using services like YouTube, Gmail and WordPress, which store data on private Internet servers instead of on those paid for with public money.

The process will start small but will ramp up quickly, Vivek Kundra, the U.S. chief information officer, said in a blog post on Tuesday.

"Our policies lag behind new trends, causing unnecessary restrictions on the use of new technology," Kundra writes in the post on WhiteHouse.gov.

"We are dedicated to addressing these barriers and to improving the way government leverages new technology."

The app store is designed for federal employees doing official government business and is not intended for use by the public.
Also on Tuesday, Google announced the creation of a "government cloud," in which public data will be stored on Google computer servers by 2010. According to a Google blog post, this dedicated space will serve the needs of federal, state and local governments.

With "cloud computing," users access applications that exist online instead of on their computers' hard drives.

Both projects are designed to save the government money and to give government employees access to tools sometimes used in the private sector. The measures fall in line with the Obama administration's efforts to get the federal government up to speed with the latest technologies.

Kundra wrote that the cost savings could be significant. The federal government spends $75 billion per year on data storage and other information technology costs, he wrote.

A video on the new app store Web site also says government servers that host government Web sites and infrastructure often waste energy and money because they duplicate the efforts of the private sector.

The app store, which is online at apps.gov, is essentially a compilation of Web programs, tools and services available to some government employees.

A social media page, for instance, explains the possible uses of Web sites like YouTube, TwitVid and Flickr. People using the site have to log in and submit requests for approval before gaining access. Many of the applications, such as those mentioned, are free. Other business software in the government app store requires payment.

"With more rapid access to innovative IT solutions, agencies can spend less time and taxpayer dollars on procedural items and focus more on using technology to achieve their missions," writes Kundra.

Ben Parr, associate editor at the social media blog Mashable, said it's smart for the government to turn to third-party tech companies that know their stuff better than federal bureaucrats.

"I'm a fan of it, because in most circumstances government is inefficient and this is a big way to really bring government up to speed in terms of computing," he said. "There are a lot of places where the government is far behind."

Some privacy experts are concerned about the fact that some public data could end up on private-run computer servers, however.

Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said people are required to submit information to the government and their data should be protected.

"We're not against the cloud computing model but there are real concerns here, both about privacy and security online," he said.

He questioned whether Google, for example, would be able to use keywords from heath records to push pharmaceutical company ads at the American public.

The details of government agreements about cloud computing need to be more public to ensure proper encryption techniques are taken and privacy laws are upheld, he said.

"I think it might make people wonder why government data is being commercialized in this way," he said.

Parr said most government data is public anyway.

"So I definitely don't expect to see the CIA posting private documents on Scribd," he said, referring to the site where people can publish documents and other writing.

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After MicroTech made its debut last year at Number Two on the Washington Technology Top 25 8(a) list, there was no place for the high-flying small business to go but up. The trade publication Washington Technology announced its 2009 annual Top 25 8(a) survey with rapidly growing MicroTech in the top position as America’s Number One Information Technology Business.

Washington Technology features the latest news and information on the business of delivering technology and services to government. The Top 25 8(a) survey focuses on Small Disadvantaged Businesses around the country, certified under the Federal Small Business Act. The company rankings are based on total Information Technology (IT) prime revenue during the 2008 fiscal year.

MicroTech is a global multi-disciplinary Technology Solutions Provider specializing in Design, Implementation, Operation, and Administration of government and corporate computing environments. MicroTech uses Customer Relationship and Project Management tools to enhance productivity, and features a Virtual Infrastructure that allows for business mobility and faster customer service.

“MicroTech’s climb to the top of the set-aside Federal supplier field that we started in is very gratifying,” says Tony Jimenez, MicroTech President and CEO. “Part of our success is based on the outstanding relationship we have with leading technology partners and our access to popular contract vehicles to fulfill the needs and requirements of our government clients.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program was created to level the playing field for small disadvantaged businesses to equally compete in the Federal procurement market. MicroTech has been an 8(a) certified Small Disadvantaged Business since June 2005.

Along with the prestigious 8(a) honor, MicroTech also made the Washington Technology “Fast 50” list focused on government contractors with the fastest growth in their field. MicroTech finished fifth in a very competitive field of Federal solutions providers with at least 60% five-year compound annual growth. This is the company’s first appearance on the list.

“Even in the midst of a substantial economic downturn, MicroTech has demonstrated consistent, controlled growth and has thrived in the government contracting sector,” Jimenez said.

About MicroTech

MicroTechnologies LLC, (d.b.a. MicroTech) is an 8(a) certified and verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and delivers robust process-driven performance for mission success. MicroTech applies its regimented process, enterprise IT experience, and state-of-the-art engineering solutions to integrate different technologies and create proven results that respond to clients' strategic needs. MicroTech is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Symantec Managed Services Partner, Tandberg Platinum Partner, Autonomy Added Value Reseller, VMware Professional Partner, EMC Velocity Partner, Citrix Silver Solution Advisor, Adobe Solutions Partner, and Polycom Premier Partner. With an astounding five-year growth rate of over 2600%, MicroTech is a member of Inc. Magazine's prestigious Inc. 500, ranking the 500 fastest growing private companies in the U.S., the Washington Business Journal Fast 50 Growing Companies, the CRN Fast Growth 100 ranking the top technology resellers, the Hispanic Business Magazine Fastest-Growing Hispanic-Owned Business, and the number one spot on the Washington Technology Top 25 8(a) list. ISO 9001:2008 certified with CMMI compliant processes, MicroTech is headquartered just outside the Nation's Capital in Vienna, Virginia, with key offices in Richmond, Virginia; Greensboro, North Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CDI Corp. (NYSE: CDI) today
announced that it has been named to the InformationWeek 500, an annual listing
of the nation's most innovative users of business technology, for the ninth
year in a row. The 2009 InformationWeek 500 companies were revealed on
September 14, 2009 at an awards ceremony held during the InformationWeek 500
Conference in Dana Point, California.

For the past 21 years, InformationWeek has identified and honored the nation's
most innovative users of information technology with its annual listing. The
list is unique among corporate rankings because it spotlights the power of
innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the
biggest IT spenders.

"For over 20 years, the InformationWeek 500 has honored the most innovative
users of business technology," said InformationWeek Editor-in-Chief Rob
Preston. "Year after year, InformationWeek 500 companies harness technology
to improve efficiency, boost productivity, drive revenue, and establish a
competitive advantage. We applaud this year's winners, and the CIOs and other
executives whose ingenuity and risk taking are at the center of business
technology innovation."

"We are constantly evaluating our business technology strategies and projects
to maximize efficiencies," said Vince Squillacioti, Senior Vice President,
Chief Information Officer of CDI. "It is our goal to develop leading-edge,
cost-effective solutions that provide a superior return on invested capital."

Additional details on the InformationWeek 500 can be found online at
www.informationweek.com/iw500.

About CDI
Headquartered in Philadelphia, CDI Corp. (NYSE: CDI) is a leading provider of
engineering and information technology outsourcing solutions and professional
staffing. Its operating units include CDI Engineering Solutions, CDI IT
Solutions, CDI AndersElite Limited and Management Recruiters International,
Inc. Visit CDI at www.cdicorp.com.

About InformationWeek Business Technology Network
The InformationWeek Business Technology Network provides IT executives with
unique analysis and tools that parallel their work flow - from the defining
and framing of objectives through to the evaluation and recommendation of
solutions. Anchored by InformationWeek, the multimedia powerhouse that looks
across the enterprise, the network scales across the most critical technology
categories with online properties like DarkReading.com (security),
IntelligentEnterprise.com (application architecture), Network Computing
(networking and communications) and PlugintotheCloud.com (cloud computing).
The network also provides focused content for key IT targets such as CIOs,
developers and SMBs with Dr. Dobb's InformationWeek Global CIO and
bMighty.com, as well as vital vertical industries with InformationWeek
Financial Services, Government and Healthcare. With content at the nucleus of
our information distribution strategy, IT professionals turn to our network of
expert voices, research and communities to stay informed, get advice, and
research technologies to make strategic business decisions. Visit
http://www.informationweek.com.

About TechWeb
TechWeb, the global leader in business technology media, is an innovative
business focused on serving the needs of technology decision-makers and
marketers worldwide. TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed media
brands in the business technology market. Today, more than 13.3 million
business technology professionals actively engage in our communities created
around our global face-to-face events Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat and
VoiceCon; online resources such as the InformationWeek.com, Light Reading,
Intelligent Enterprise, bMighty.com, and Advanced Trading; and the market
leading, award-winning InformationWeek and Wall Street & Technology magazines.
TechWeb also provides end-to-end services ranging from next-generation
performance marketing, integrated media, market research, and analyst
services.

TechWeb is a division of United Business Media, a global provider of news
distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization
of more than $2.5 billion. Visit http://www.techweb.com/aboutus.



SOURCE CDI Corp.

Vincent J. Webb, VP, Communications & Marketing, +1-215-636-1240,
vince.webb@cdicorp.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- State Compensation Insurance Fund
today announced the selection of internationally respected technology
professional Shaun Coyne as its new Chief Information Officer. Coyne will lead
State Fund's drive to build its Information Technology capabilities.

Coyne has 29 years of high-level experience in IT and has successfully
integrated technology as a strategic business tool in large operations. Most
recently he served for six years as Vice President and CIO of Toyota Financial
Services in Torrance, California. In that position he successfully executed
large-scale operational changes and strategies to drive financial improvements
across a global IT department.

Prior to his tenure at Toyota, Coyne worked as a vice president and chief
technology officer of General Electric (GE). At GE he oversaw systems
development for retail financial services and capital real estate, and served
a four-year stint in Tokyo heading up systems for GE's Capital Global Consumer
Finance unit. Earlier in his career he held executive systems positions with
Chase Manhattan Bank and Citicorp/Citibank.

Coyne earned his BS in computer information systems and marketing from
Manhattan College and received prestigious certifications in the Kaizen method
of value-based management and the Six Sigma process, a disciplined,
data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects.

As State Fund's CIO, Coyne will lead the implementation of a comprehensive
technology platform for the organization. Immediate goals include automating
online quoting, developing business analytics, and modernizing key business
functions.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Established in 1914 by the state legislature, State Fund is
California's largest provider of workers' compensation insurance and a vital
asset to California businesses. Completely self supporting, State Fund plays a
stabilizing role in California's economy by maintaining an open door policy
that ensures that all employers have a strong and stable option for their
workers' compensation needs.

Clinical Integration Tools Foster Collaboration to Support Medical Home
Initiative
WALTHAM, Mass. & SUMMIT, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
Vista Health System, LLC is pleased to announce a partnership with MedVentive,
the leading provider of integrated performance management solutions for
providers and health plans, to provide information technology services to its
member physicians to improve patient care.For the first time, Vista physicians
will be able to coordinate patient care and optimize preventive health and
chronic care management through a web-enabled, HIPAA-compliant network-wide
solution.The MedVentive system will help Vista with several key initiatives:

§Deploy a sophisticated physician-centric medical home solution in primary care
offices

§Improve collaboration and coordination of care across their network

§Drive real improvements in quality and efficiency coupled with innovative
payment programs

Vista`s mission is to serve as the leading practice association in New Jersey,
creating a network of quality physicians empowered with the support and the
resources to achieve excellence in the delivery of healthcare in their
communities.Dr. Thomas Kloos, Vista`s President, stated, "The goal of an
Independent Practice Association is to foster collaboration, communication, and
quality care with and between its member physicians.This partnership brings us
the tools to make that happen.We expect this to raise the standard of healthcare
delivery in our member communities."

"One of the key reasons Vista selected MedVentive was because their
point-of-care registry and decision support system provides an efficient and
effective way to clinically integrate all of our practices more quickly and
simply than with an EMR-based strategy, yet leverages information available in
the EMR and other sources.Additionally, a comprehensive clinical view of each
patient coupled with rich reporting and analytics gives the whole care team the
ability to impact the health and wellness of our patients," adds Deborah Kohaut,
Executive Director of Vista.

The point-of-care registry and decision support system promotes guideline
compliance and serves as a collaboration platform to share information from
multiple sources across a network.Provider friendly point of care work flows
drive proactive care and provide valuable clinical information that can be
shared in real-time with the patient - engaging them in their own care.In
addition to ensuring optimal care during each office visit, sophisticated logic
embedded in the program`s automated work queues support the entire physician`s
office in providing timely needed care through out the year to proactively
improve their patients`health and well being.

Dr. Jonathan Niloff, CEO and co- founder of MedVentive adds, "Vista has a clear
and compelling vision on how to leverage technology in support of their goals of
improving patient health in the communities they serve.They are a progressive
leader in our industry, and their commitment to making a difference will promote
true collaboration, resulting in measurable quality improvement."

About Vista Health System

Vista Health System, LLC is an Independent Practice Association located in
Northern New Jersey that was established in 1994 in response to the growth of
the managed care industry.Over the past 14 years, Vista has grown from 30
physicians to 425 board certified physicians representing both Primary Care and
Specialists in over forty specialties.Vista works closely with many of the major
Payers in the area on behalf of their members as well as providing other value
added services.Learn more - www.vistaipa.com.

About MedVentive

MedVentive provides the industry`s first and most comprehensive integrated
performance management solution.For more than a decade, we`ve given our health
plan and provider customers a single, comprehensive, and risk-adjusted view of
their financial and clinical performance.With just a few clicks clients can
drill down to the physician, member/patient, or claim level, and initiate
automated intervention tools and workflows.Our award-winning platform allows
clients to successfully improve the quality of patient care and reduce medical
costs - achieving quantifiable results and ROI within the first year.

Learn more - www.medventive.com.





MedVentive
Delia C. Brower, 781-290-2515
Marketing Manager
dbrower@medventive.com

DES MOINES, Iowa--(Business Wire)--
For the 12th consecutive year, the Principal Financial Group®
has taken a top spot on the InformationWeek 500, a prestigious list of the
most innovative users of technology in the United States. This year The
Principal® ranked 33rd out of 500 innovative companies.

"The Principal is honored to be recognized again for technology innovation. We
attribute this success to our world class employees, and their application of
creativity, initiative, skills and knowledge of technology to our business in a
meaningful way," said Gary Scholten, senior vice president and chief information
officer of the Principal Financial Group.

Contributing to the company`s most recent InformationWeek recognition is the
development of the Geo-Business Impact Tool (G-BIT), which was conceived and
custom-developed by the Principal Financial Group. A leading-edge application in
the financial services industry, G-BIT is a Web application that links a
geographical information system, enabling the user to select any area on a map
and access a spreadsheet or report for that location. This includes details such
as the number of employees in a particular location, and customer account data
for that specific area across all lines of business.

Key benefits of the implemented system were realized immediately. During the
Midwest floods of 2008, G-BIT was used to obtain a comprehensive list of company
locations, employees and customers in affected areas so The Principal could
quickly reach out with offers of assistance. G-BIT was also used in advance of
Hurricane Ike and during wildfires in California.

"Year after year, InformationWeek 500 companies harness technology to improve
efficiency, boost productivity, drive revenue and establish a competitive
advantage," said Rob Preston, editor-in-chief of InformationWeek. We applaud
this year`s winners, and the CIOs and other executives whose ingenuity and risk
taking are at the center of business technology innovation."

2009 tech-savvy tools: iGoogle and text messaging

This latest accolade comes soon after the launch of two new technologies which
allow retirement plan participants the option to receive certain account
information via email or text messages and their personal iGoogle home pages.

First available in mid-May, the use of these technologies is exceeding goals.
Within the first three months of the launch, nearly 14,000 participants added
the gadget to their iGoogle home page. And nearly 8,500 participants had signed
up to receive e-mail or text messages from The Principal.

"We`re reaching out to our participants on their terms, and hoping to cut
through the clutter by doing so," said Danelle Kronmiller, assistant director of
marketing for The Principal. "This is a true example of how technology is
helping to meet an emerging business need, with measurable results."

About the InformationWeek 500

InformationWeek identifies and honors the nation`s most innovative users of
information technology with its annual 500 listing, now in its 21st year, and
also tracks the technology, strategies, investments and administrative practices
of America`s best-known companies. Top winners have included: Conway, National
Semiconductor, Kimberly-Clark, Hilton Hotels and Unum. The InformationWeek 500
rankings are unique among corporate rankings as it spotlights the power of
innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest
IT spenders.

About the Principal Financial Group

The Principal Financial Group® (The Principal ®)1 is a leader in offering
businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial
products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and
health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services
companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $257.7
billion in assets under management2 and serves some 18.8 million customers
worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United
States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange
under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.

1 "The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered service
marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial
Group.

2 As of June 30, 2009



The Principal Financial Group
Rhonda Clark, 515-247-6634
clark.rhonda@principal.com

The 2009-10 edition of the guidelines governing appropriate use of University information technology resources and Internet access has been posted online. Since these policies appear only on the Web, the site also offers a printer-friendly version in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

This companion document to Rights, Rules, Responsibilities is a core policy document, which applies to all members of the University community. It is revised each year by a cross-campus panel.