Windows XP’s days are numbered. Microsoft will be terminating all support for the operating system, as well as support for Microsoft Word 2003, on April 8, 2014. This includes all security updates and fixes, leaving those with Windows XP vulnerable to security threats. Many organizations are now faced with the task of migrating to a modern desktop on Windows 7 or 8. While it may seem daunting, organizations should view migrating as an opportunity, not a burden. For starters, Windows 7 features substantial enhancements over XP and Vista in multiple areas including performance, security, user access PC management and support. Tests have shown that Windows 7 runs JavaScript significantly faster than XP or Vista. Other advantages of migrating lie with the process itself. Migrating will give your organization a chance to correct operating inefficiencies and automate processes and standards.

Providing an exceptional customer service experience is a key element of running any organization, from large corporations to non-profits to government agencies. Government agencies have to deal with issues raised by the public every day and be able to respond to constituents in an efficient manner. While seemingly a straightforward task, customer relations is a constantly evolving field. Many people now expect a personalized experience through whatever channel they prefer, whether it is by phone, email, web or social networks. By using the most current technology to optimize the customer service experience, organizations can not only improve the way they respond to their constituents needs but also improve their own organizational efficiency and reduce costs.

It is an ultimate ethical dilemma: to blow the whistle or to stay quiet? Recent statistics show that the number of government whistleblowing claims is increasing, and with media attention focused on high profile whistleblowing cases, it is more important now than ever to ensure that your company is compliant and maintains ethical business practices.

On July 9th, 2013 the General Services Administration (GSA) launched a new website platform for government-managed reverse auctions, reverseauctions.gsa.gov. This program, available through the National Information Technology Commodity Program (NITCP) of GSA’s Federal Acquisition service (FAS) marks the beginning of a change in the way businesses will compete for government contracts.

Accelerating a new employee’s productivity rate is a goal that every agency strives to achieve. The onboarding process involves many time consuming elements. Everything from preparing new-hire paperwork, to ensuring equipment is ready on time, and reducing the onboarding cycle from days to minutes can help your agency save millions of dollars and increase productivity rates for new employees. How can you enable new hire productivity across every level of your organization? Here are some tips to ensure your new employees can hit the ground running.

Recently, a contractor lost a bid due to poor past performance history that was not included in their proposal. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) heard their case and determined that it was acceptable to use past performance history not included in the contractor’s proposal. The GAO also stated that the contractor should have explained the poor past performance evaluation. This past performance review was registered with the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), a website that government agencies use to access contractor past performance data. Not many contractors are familiar with this site and not all government agencies are using it yet, as it is relatively new.