AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON EMPLOYEES ANTICIPATE WEB 2.0 ACCESS

AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The U.

S. Air Force District of Washington issued the following news release:

Opinions on the soon-to-be implemented opening of social networking sites on Air Force District of Washington networked computers are as varied as the users of those tools.

The Department of Defense officially directed all DoD networks to open firewalls to Web 2.0 tools. As a result, the Air Force began testing the best way to implement the changes. AFDW will most likely ease some Web navigation restrictions in late May or early June, according to 844th Communications Group Chief of Operations, Mr. Michael King. "The important thing to remember," said Mr. King, "is that the rules of operational security, and waste, fraud and abuse still apply after these changes take effect." Several AFDW employees weighed in on the changes with varying opinions. Some are wary of possible impacts to productivity. "I don't like Facebook or Twitter," said AFDW Installations and Mission Support Contractor Mr. Chuck Jacobs. "It just seems to be unnecessary, and a risk."

Others believe that a busy workplace will stay busy, regardless of the applications available to DoD employees. Ms. Althea Paige, an administrative assistant for AFDW communications, doesn't maintain any social networking accounts. "Look around here," said Ms. Paige. "Our office is too busy to be distracted by those sites. We've got too much work to let Facebook get in the way!"

Directors and commanders will be able to enforce normal workplace fraud, waste and abuse standards to ensure that Airmen are not taking advantage of the new tools. Internet usage tracking software exists, but it is unclear if it will be used to monitor Web 2.0 sites.

Mr. Samuel Zhang, an electronic Management Tracking System and Defense Travel System technician with AFDW Programs, uses Facebook to keep up with family. "These programs can be useful at times," said Mr. Zhang. "I hope that AFDW employees can use them in a positive way."

"I think it's great!" said Mr. Omo Igiehon, a contractor with AFDW Strategic Plans and Development Facilities. "I know that young people - like my niece and nephew - overuse these tools, but I also know they use it to ask professors questions. Think about all the ways you can use it to make work easier. If people in your office are on Facebook, you can share information easier and communicate more freely."

The Air Force will release specific guidance on how to go about opening up networks in the safest way soon. When the guidance is released, individual MAJCOMs and Wings will be begin implementing Web access changes.

For more information please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com.