Feds at the Edge

Here is the final copy for this one and I will have the next over to you soon: Software management presents itself as an easy task: install software, then deinstall it at the end of its life. Unfortunately, the complexity of modern systems has made managing software in enterprise situations more of a nightmare than a walk in the park. In this week's episode of Feds At The Edge, government and industry thought leaders share practical approaches to managing software assets, from establishing authoritative data across multiple tools to identifying duplicate software purchased by different departments. Even when tools are duplicative, turning them off can be difficult when they're embedded in critical systems. The discussion also explores the challenges of acquiring software during an emergency, the risks of working with unreliable vendors and the importance of having the right processes in place to manage software throughout its lifecycle. They also underscore the risks posed by legacy systems and highlight why continuous, automated approaches are vital for managing software assets effectively. From knowing what software you have to knowing what you can safely retire, effective software management is essential to keeping modern enterprises secure, efficient and resilient. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to hear how experts are tackling these challenges.

According to Greg Touhill, the first CISO of the United States, complexity is the bane of IT security. Today, that lesson remains especially relevant. In this week's episode of Feds At The Edge, several thought leaders share how agencies can reduce complexity, integrate legacy systems, balance usability with security, and build a Zero Trust environment that continues to improve over time. Robert Skinner of Skinner's Strategic Solutions, explores the power of reducing system complexity and data flows to unlock clearer analytics. David Klink of Leidos explains the challenge agencies face when they try to "shoehorn legacy identity methods" into modern enterprise compliance. Continuous monitoring and tools that identify systems operating outside enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management requirements can help bridge that gap. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to hear practical, actionable ideas for managing out-of-compliance infrastructure, maintaining continuous evaluation, and driving modern security compliance without sacrificing user experience.

History shows that nations often enter new conflicts relying on old, familiar tactics. It's only after those tactics fail that they adapt to something new. Today, thousands of defense contractors and companies are making the exact same mistake with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). By applying outdated, static compliance tools to a modern, dynamic regulatory landscape, organizations face mounting delays, incomplete visibility, and soaring costs. In this week's episode of Feds At The Edge, we sit down with leading experts from GDIT, Axonius Federal, Red River and ComplAi, who have successfully navigated these pitfalls to streamline the journey to certification. They highlight why traditional governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools built for commercial frameworks fail under CMMC standards, why continuous monitoring must replace periodic rule-checking, and how essential a complete data inventory is for long-term success.

Permitting delays can increase construction costs, frustrate applicants and slow the delivery of much-needed housing. But modernizing the process requires more than simply replacing paper with technology. In this week's episode of Feds At The Edge, we explore how government and industry leaders are combining policy reform, digital workflows, cloud technology and AI to reduce permitting backlogs and improve the building approval process. John W. Lane of the Town of Caledon examines outdated bylaws, inconsistent processes and ways to accelerate reviews without sacrificing safety. Philip Mosher of the Municipality of North Grenville shares how updated zoning rules, integrated workflows and dashboards can help expose bottlenecks and move applications forward. James Nyhus of the District of Sechelt discusses moving from paper files to cloud-based permitting and tablet inspections, while Salesforce's Nadia Hansen explores how AI could support document processing, workload planning and routine applicant questions. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform for a practical look at how government can connect people, processes and technology to deliver faster, more responsive services.

Data is the lifeblood of AI, and when it's incomplete, biased, or inaccurate, your results will be abysmal. This week on Feds At the Edge, we sit down with Geoff Schaefer of Leidos and Susan Laine from Quest to discuss how to overcome the common pitfalls and data challenges of federal AI adoption. Our guests explore the shift toward data platforms that include curated, reusable data products that improve visibility, assign trust scores, and clarify data sources and permissions. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform for insights on governance, interoperability, and ethical use, as this conversation highlights how strong data foundations are essential to making AI reliable, scalable, and mission-ready.

In order to determine its value, Federal Technology leaders know it's all about the workflow when it comes to the possibility of incorporating AI. Once they do, having a deeper understanding of the distinction between traditional and generative AI, as well as the importance of data cleanliness and security will be key for an effective adoption. This week at Feds At the Edge, we outline the steps agencies should know and take to take as they prepare to expand into the newest digital landscape. From defining terms, to ensuring clean and secure data, to identifying and removing potential bias, we'll explore what the new lifecycle of information should look like. Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform to hear how streamlining the data process can help optimize the value that AI can bring to the table.

What if better visibility into your IT assets could unlock cost savings, strengthen security, and free teams to focus on the mission? This week on Feds At the Edge, we explore how federal agencies are turning digital modernization into a strategic advantage by strengthening software and asset visibility. With a clearer understanding of existing licenses, agencies can eliminate duplication, retire unused tools, and collaborate across organizations to secure better pricing and maximize value. The conversation also highlights how AI is elevating asset management, moving beyond static reporting to real-time insights, forecasting future needs, and uncovering hidden risks like shadow IT. At the same time, aligning asset and procedure management is enabling more proactive operations, where adaptive licensing and better data help teams shift from compliance-heavy tasks to mission-focused work. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to learn how a more connected, forward-looking approach is helping agencies cut costs, reduce risk, and operate smarter for the future.

How do you upgrade a global fleet when failure isn't an option? This week on Feds At the Edge, we dive into the Navy's "Operation Cattle Drive," an ambitious initiative to modernize technology across hundreds of ships in the world's most challenging environments. We sit down with experts from the U.S. Navy and Red Hat to break down the three pillars of high-stakes digital transformation: Development: Using digital twins to test systems in advance—eliminating risk where failure isn't an option. Scaling: Building infrastructure that can support growing AI demands across a distributed fleet. Automation: Applying thoughtful automation can support patching, compliance, and faster updates. Moving toward a world where complex military networks are as seamless to update as a commercial smartphone. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform as our experts highlight why strategy, enterprise platforms, and a culture of change are essential for mission success.