Does virtual IT mean better redundancy and responsiveness? A look at the Federal Election Commission's foray into utility computing reveals some answers.

The concept of virtual IT isn't new. Virtualized or utility computing is one step above hosted services. Hosted means a third party provides a home for equipment owned by a customer. Virtual means the host also provides the equipment and processing.

The election commission is a small agency of about 350 employees. Jim Allen is the infrastructure branch manager in FEC's IT division. He tells GCN.com he doesn't anticipate a reduction in workforce as a result of going to virtual IT. His staff still has plenty of work overseeing day-to-day operations. Activity peaks during federal election cycles and really peak during presidential campaigns.

But Allen is pleased with the immediate results. It has provided more assurance through system redundancy, and made it easier to ramp up capacity for peak periods.

For more, visit Government Computer News online at GCN.com.

The Transportation Security Administration announced plans to roll out its Registered Traveler program at 10 to 20 airports in the second half of this year.

That means deployment of new technologies, some of them controversial.

The program is intended to allow travelers who have agreed to background checks to move through airport screening points faster.

TSA conducted a Registered Traveler pilot project last year at five airports.

GCN.com reports, program specialists are suggesting that TSA might approve the use of backscatter technology for registered travelers.

Backscatter technology is better than magnetometers for evaluating whether a person is carrying a forbidden item.

Earlier use stalled because of it sees through clothing. But it also eliminates the need for body cavity checks. And it won't hold up people with medical pins in their joints.

Program participants will establish their identity via biometric measures such as the iris scanning.

For more, visit Government Computer News online at GCN.com.

The next generation of Internet standards, known as IP version 6, will have unlimited address space. Still, The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is taking no chances.

The NTIA is devising a plan to make sure agencies get their share of the billions and billions of addresses available under IPv6. Experts say someday, everything object manufactured could have an Internet address. The deadline to move to the new protocols is more than two years away. But the Office of Management and Budget says several agencies have already contacted the Commerce Department bureau to sign up.

Agencies in reality have few worries about addresses. One pundit has estimated that under IPv6, there are enough addresses for every molecule on earth. NTIA is working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to improve technical guidance for agencies.

For more, visit Government Computer News online at GCN.com.