The dawn of a new tech age

Now that the inauguration is over, President Obama must roll up his sleeves and begin the hard work of restarting the U.S. economic engine. To help him along, the new president is ready to lay down the building blocks of many tech-friendly initiatives, from extending high-speed Internet access to computerized prescriptions and medical records.

Just where will he go? He's already signaled that creating a digital America will be a wide-ranging, all-encompassing endeavor, inside and outside government. There will be many key appointments that help make the digital age a reality, what's more Silicon Valley companies expect to have a great deal of influence in the new White House and Congress. Among those likely to be involved in the changes are Google's CEO Eric Schmidt, a member of Obama's economic policy council and global public policy chief Andrew McLaughlin.

Other big players include Ralph Hellman, a senior vice-president of the Information Technology Industry Council, who is likely to play a big role in tech and infrastructure as he pushes for tax credits to expand broadband. Another is Thomas J. Tauke, a former congressman from Iowa who is now a lobbyist for Verizon Communications. He will fight to protect the interests of telecom companies as Washington expands the reach of high-speed Internet.

In his January 20 inaugural speech, Obama said technology will be an important component in helping to stimulate the economy and improve the effectiveness of government programs. "The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift," he said. Beyond roads and bridges, that action would include building "the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together."

For more on Obama's tech agenda:
- check out this BusinessWeek.com article

Also see these stories:
- Inauguaral plans
- Obama's tech plans
- Tech appointments impact industry. Article

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