Armed with powerful new tools, government agencies are discovering riches in their data resources for deeper insights, greater efficiency, and cost savings

The “big” in big data often translates to “complex” and “expensive” for CIOs, but government agencies are increasingly taking advantage of the private cloud, and software tools they already own, to uncover the big data insights they need in a cost-...

Corrections agencies are tasked with keeping their facilities secure, safe, and efficient. In this post, learn how they are using “little data,” or data they already have, as a criminal intelligence resource to stop criminal activities inside prisons.

As governments seek to engage their constituents and deliver citizen-centric services, technology will play a key role—but it won’t come without challenges. According to IDC Government Insights, here’s what’s in store for the Asia/Pacific region in 2013.

Governments worldwide are undergoing transformation, which is being influenced by a convergence of factors, from new technologies to new budget realities. Learn about Microsoft’s vision for dynamic government, and how it fits into this picture.

Governments have a wealth of data at their fingertips, but may not be realizing its full potential. One strategy is to open data to the public for analysis, which can help extract greater value, and boost transparency and public engagement.

Backed by the power of cloud computing, this year’s NORAD Santa Tracker program was a huge success. Learn how the cloud scaled to meet the demands of tracking Santa’s journey, and what that means for government organizations in the age of Big Data.

In the midst of global urbanization and at a time of transformation for cities, read how a new organization is making it easier for cities around the world to collaborate and learn from one other’s experiences.

In the race to stay competitive, a city’s local culture and recreational amenities can offer a big advantage. More than ever, technology is helping shape this “cultural experience” for urban-dwellers. Want to learn how? Read more here...

Read observations from the Smart City Expo World Congress that consider what truly makes for a “Smart City” and how a broad range of technologies can help cities reach their goals. This is the first post in a bi-weekly Monday series on cities.