A commitment to technology is central to the I Bureau's products and processes, and the expectation is that everyone will become as technologically fluent as possible. Instead, we bring people with diverse backgrounds to areas once considered to be solely the realm of the technical specialists. The transition to a high-tech standard has not been easy, but Ms. Sheppard has seen a significant change in attitude. The I Bureau has invested heavily in infrastructure. All provide full Internet access.
Technology also means mobility.
Technology is central to operations of the bureau's Foreign Press Centers, which have offices in Washington's National Press Building, New York and Los Angeles. During the Middle East peace conference at Wye River, reference specialist Miriam Rider used the Internet to access online databases not only for clamoring journalists, but also to keep the State press office informed about how the conference was playing in the foreign press. In his twin roles as USIA's associate director for information and chief information officer, Mr. Spalter is seeking creative ways to integrate diplomacy and technology. He founded and now chairs the Foreign Affairs CIO Council. And with his State CIO counterpart, Fernando Burbano, he concluded the Comprehensive Information Technology Agreement, which seeks cooperative ways of merging technology systems, as well as strengthening the overall technological capabilities of embassies overseas.