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Where do we need to take Enterprise Web 2.0 for the Coast Guard

Posted on 6 June 2008 by Peter Stinson | Comments

Once or twice here, and more than once at the office, I’ve been called out for using Web 2.0 tools. I admit it, I use Web 2.0 tools to do my work; two months ago, or so, I learned that while I thought the ban on using non-approved software was limited to software loaded to a computer, the ban was more complete: no software, even free web-based software, can be used unless it is approved.

There goes most any Web 2.0 tool.

I’ve been asked to lay out the business case for Web 2.0 tools. I think the better question is to ask how people — and it’s not just me — are using non-approved web-based software.

First, however, meet Charlie… and imagine where the Coast Guard could be:

Okay, how are Coasties (other than me) using web tools? Here are three examples:

  • A headquarters command in the CG-1 world is using Zoomerang to survey their customers to help determine customer needs.

  • A field office of CG-2 is using Homestead to host their primary Internet site.

  • An Auxiliary flotilla is using Blogger and Blogspot for their blog.

Now, I know this is on people’s minds. Certainly it’s on Admiral Allen’s mind; he knows the value Web 2.0/social media tools can provide the organization. He doesn’t stand alone, for sure, but he’s pushing faster than the traditional CG-6 community.

What would you like to see in Enterprise solutions for Web 2.0 tools for the CG?

Category: Knowledge Management, by Peter Stinson | Comments
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  • ucffool
    You mentioned the coast guard using zoomerang to survey folks. Besides secure surveys (SSL encrypted), are there any other special needs you can think of that would benefit the coast guard in regards to surveys.
    Full disclosure, I work for surveygizmo.com
  • Anonymous
    If the powers that be could just start with an internal wiki, that'd be a huge step forward. You'd see CG Central tossed by the wayside in 12 months or less. Don't get me wrong, I was involved with the CG Central startup and, considering what was there before, it was a huge step up. There may even be a continued use for it as an authoritative storage area for official documents, policy, etc. However what would be more useful to CG personnel is a system that's more flexible, has search that works like you expect, and can be organized organically based on what's useful and not what the organizational structure looks like.
  • robinb
    Hi Peter,


    I'm working on a web app for the emergency services at present. It's designed to "help them save lives by making better decisions". It's a bottom up approach to allow teams coordinate themselves and then link their account to an organisation who can have a top down view on what's happening.



    I'd love to give you a beta invite and gather some feedback to mould it from the US. Mail me on robin@bytesurgery.com if you'd like to have this discussion.



    -Robin

    http://www.bytesurgery.com
  • Anonymous
    Mr. Stinson I think this needs to be reverse Engineered. The question in 2008 should be why shouldn't the Coast Guard use Web 2.0.
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