Co-op buying FTS is even using cooperative purchasing. Each FTS 2001 contract will be available for use by all federal agencies and also authorized federal contractors, agency-sponsored universities and laboratories, and other organizations authorized by law or regulation. Part of FTS' future hinges on Internet use, which is growing at a tremendous pace in government programs. The business community and individuals are embracing the technology, too, partly to maintain pace with government service delivery. Low-cost service is key to continued growth in information exchange through telecom.
Messaging is an important one.
Messaging makes use of advances in voice and data technologies to provide an integrated system for voice, e-mail and fax. Security is integral to the new FTS contracts. GSA requested a way to ensure users are who they claim to be. A public key infrastructure would protect government data posted on the Internet from invasion, as do private sector efforts to implement simple, secure methods of authenticating users, especially in electronic commerce transactions. All the necessary pieces of the machinery are in place.