Program Executive for Education Solutions: The Top 10 Education Events in 2025

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Education technology expands and transforms every year. With new and evolving solutions, students, faculty and administration can cultivate diverse learning experiences, make strides in cyber and physical security for their school systems and explore new opportunities with tools like AI. Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Education IT Solutions Provider®, features a robust EdTech portfolio for K-12 and Higher Education solutions to help our customers bridge the digital divide and meet the demands of modern education. Check out the top education events to attend this year and join us in discovering EdTech’s latest innovations. 


CoSN’s Annual Conference 

March 31-April 2 | Seattle, WA | In-Person Event 

Each year, CoSN’s Annual Conference aims to lead in education innovation, advancing the knowledge and skills of K-12 school leaders. Diving into topics like cybersecurity, student data privacy and the implementation of generative AI in schools. Attendees will gain a variety of perspectives from EdTech experts and deepen their understanding of these critical issues while exploring new strategies for addressing them. This year’s theme, Human Leadership in a World of AI, will analyze the many roles and responsibilities of IT teams within the K-12 space, foster community around the complex tool and examine best practices surrounding AI within schools.  

For the last several years, Carahsoft has been a proud sponsor of CoSN and holds an annual membership to ensure we are staying up to date on the best this event has to offer. We will be retuning this year at booth #5, so be sure to stop by! Stay connected with Carahsoft as we prepare for another great presence at this year’s event. 


NAEP EPIC 

May 4-7 | New Orleans, LA | In-Person Event 

The National Association of Educational Procurement EPIC event sets the stage for visionaries, educators, Government experts and thought leaders to discover new ways for innovation and education procurement to converge. This year, the event formerly known as the “Annual Meeting” is getting a brand new name: Educational Procurement Innovation Conference or “EPIC.”  

At this K-12 focused event, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to inspirational keynotes, participate in interactive workshops, network with peers, explore cutting-edge technologies and join in on thought-provoking discussions. 

Here are the potential focus tracks you can expect this year (subject to change): 

  • Contracting and Risk Management 
  • Supplier Relationship Management 
  • Team Development and Structure 
  • Emerging Trends and Technologies 
  • Spend Management and Category Optimization 

Carahsoft has supported the NAEP national and regional shows for the past three years, continuing to invest in the brand as we expand our footprint in the education space. At this year’s event, we will be featured as an Exhibitor Sponsor. Join us at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans and stay tuned for more on our involvement in this event!  


Educause Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference 

May 19-21 | Baltimore, MD | In-Person Event 

Student safety and security are consistently at the forefront of educators’ minds and discovering innovative and modern ways to ensure those basic requirements are met is imperative. With tailored focus on higher education, this premier Educause forum connects attendees with information security and privacy professionals to do just that. Network and discuss the latest cybersecurity trends and current events with peers and solution providers to make a meaningful impact on your community as well as the entire education sector. 

Program tracks to look out for:  

  • Privacy  
  • Risk, Compliance and Policy  
  • Awareness and Education  
  • Technologies and Operations  
  • Leadership and Professional Development  

Carahsoft is committed to bringing you the latest tech and most powerful cybersecurity tools within the education space today. We hope you will join us at Educause CPPC for three full days of learning, networking and preparing for the future of higher education. Carahsoft will be sponsoring at this year’s event, so stay connected with us to learn more about the partners our partners who will be co-sponsoring with us. Also, join us at our reception during the event (more to come)! 


Internet2 Community Exchange 

April 28-May 1 | Anaheim, CA | In-Person Event 

Learn, explore and connect at the 2025 Internet2 Community Exchange—an event where the industry and education sector connect to share knowledge on the leading challenges and solutions driving higher education today. Together, the global Research and Education (R&E) community and Internet2 empower teams, building meaningful collaborations and relationships within education to elevate the success of students, faculty and administrators everywhere. When attending Community Exchange, guests will be helping transform higher education through peer learning, sharing experiences and discussing topics like policy, current trends and best practices. 

The focus of program tracks this year will be: 

  • Leveraging Advanced Networking  
  • Cloud Services and Solutions 
  • Security Concerns, Collaborations and Solutions 
  • Challenges and Opportunities with Emerging Technologies  

Carahsoft is a proud sponsor of this year’s Internet2 Community Exchange. As a sponsor, we are dedicated to collaborating with attendees, vendor partners and event officials to contribute our expertise to the global discussion surrounding today’s EdTech. Stay tuned to learn more about the silver package co-sponsoring partners we will be featuring along with us! 


Carahsoft’s EdTech Talks Summit 

October 1-3 | Virtual 

The 5th annual EdTech Talks Summit is Carahsoft’s premier event for K-12 and higher education professionals of all grade levels to hear from the industry’s leading EdTech vendors. Over the span of multiple days, attendees will join classroom panels, keynote assemblies and “Before the Bell” breakout sessions with interactive, audience participation in Q&As. During this event, we explore the most pressing topics within the education community such as AI, cybersecurity, data and student mental health.  

Take a look at last year’s various hard-hitting programs to get a sense of what to expect from EdTech Talks 2025: 

  • Security in Education Today: Protecting Privacy, Providing Safety, Promoting Innovation 
  • Enhance Network Security Posture with Nutanix through the E-Rate Program 
  • Professional Development and Workforce Readiness for a Lifetime of Learning 
  • Preparing the Workforce for Challenges in IoT Security 
  • Funding Digital and Physical Security 
  • How AI and Observability Solve Key IT Challenges in K-12 Education 
  • The Intersections of AI and Cybersecurity 

Looking to learn more about EdTech Talks? View our content hub to explore everything you need to know about last year’s event and how Carahsoft can support your education missions. Our team is currently gearing up to share the details with you soon, so stay tuned for more information about our great 2025 event! 


ISTELive25 

June 29-July 2 | San Antonio, TX | Hybrid Event 

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The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate the use of technology to solve tough problems in education and inspire innovation. ISTELive is one of the most comprehensive EdTech events, where education leaders, teachers, coaches, librarians, media specialists and more can convene on the latest trends and transformations within the K-12 space. Dive into solutions that will bring positive change to the EdTech world and return to your school empowered with knowledge to meet the needs of your students and staff. 

Carahsoft is excited to be returning to ISTELive with a large booth space to help you learn everything you need to know about us and our partner’s EdTech solutions. Be sure to visit us at booth #855 to chat with a specialist about how we can support your education ecosystem.  


NJSBA Annual Workshop 

October 20-23 | Atlantic City, NJ | In-Person 

Co-sponsored by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, the New Jersey School Boards Association plans to welcome over 6,000 school leaders from across the Garden State to the year’s most important training event. NJSBA’s Annual Workshop will feature tailored K-12 education insights, strategies and collaborative opportunities to transform and evolve their communities. Engage in professional development, illuminate dialogue, encourage interactive sessions and discover new products and solutions to share with your peers. Join Carahsoft at this great event as we celebrate public education! 

Stay tuned for event announcements and additional information on our participation in this event. We look forward to joining you at this year’s event! Curious about what else to expect? Check out highlights from NJSBA’s 2024 Workshop. Additionally, learn more about our long-standing contract with NJSBA, supporting to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance. 


Educause Annual Conference 

October 27-30 | Nashville, TN | Hybrid Event 

Higher education technology transforms year over year. At the Educause Annual Conference, education professionals and technology providers come together to embrace this change, strive for improvement and make it a reality. Bring your ideas to share with your peers surrounding today’s toughest education challenges and brainstorm ways to solve them! Here, attendees can grow meaningful connections with industry collaborators and community members. Garner experience and knowledge within EdTech trends, innovations and tools within an array of education topics.  

Past program tracks and what you can expect at this year’s event include: 

  • Future of Work 
  • Student Experience 
  • Education Leadership 
  • Teaching and Learning 
  • Innovation and Emerging Tech 
  • Cybersecurity, Privacy and Risk Management 
  • Enterprise, Strategy, Data, Infrastructure and Support 

Carahsoft looks forward to returning to the Educause Annual Conference at booth #1050 to connect you with our partners’ cutting-edge EdTech solutions and discuss how we can help you shape the future of education for your school. We will be collaborating with Joe Toste to create podcast episodes for his show, “TechTables,”centered around the event. We will also be hosting a co-sponsored coffee corner and do not forget to join us for our happy hour event!  


CSBA AEC 

December 4-6 | Sacramento, CA | In-Person Event 

The Annual Education Conference is the California School Board Association’s premier continuing education program for K-12 that you will not want to miss! Renew your sense of purpose and commitment as an educator, teacher, board member, superintendent or support professional as you engage with peers to dive into critical conversations, compelling sessions and prime EdTech tools and solutions. This unique event offers guests the opportunity to network with leaders who can offer guidance on local-level issues, discussing how trends are impacting individual schools and communities to improve student learning and achievement. 

Past program tracks include: 

  • Access for All 
  • Digital Transformation in Education 
  • Fiscal Strategies and Accountability 
  • Student and Community Engagement 
  • Strategies and Practices of Governance 
  • Mental Health, Wellness and Student Safety 

Carahsoft is excited to be attending CSBA’s premier event this year. While we are still confirming our presence, learn more about our partnership and contracts with CSBA and how we support the Golden State’s public schools. 


Internet2 Technology Exchange 

December 8-12 | Denver, CO | In-Person Event 

Interested in speaking with technical visionaries? Excited to learn from global technology leaders? Looking for new EdTech tools backed by the education community? I2 TechEx is the event to attend for all these opportunities and more! Meet chief technologists, scientists, engineers, architects, operators and students for community-centric debates, discussions and critical dialogue surrounding topics such as generative AI, cybersecurity posture, Zero Trust, cloud solutions, policy updates, automation and more.  

Carahsoft and our reseller partners work with Internet2 to support their member community through the NET+ program, which provides a portfolio of reliable cloud and trust solutions to help higher education and research institutions solve shared technology challenges. We are still determining the specifics of our participation but are excited to confirm that Carahsoft will be present at this year’s conference! Keep an eye out for updates on how to connect with us during this premier event. 


Throughout the change and growth within the education sector this year, Carahsoft and our vendor partners are here to help institutions, organizations and Government agencies navigate it all. Join us at one of these great events to learn, experience and embrace the best the industry has to offer for the future of education technology. 


To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at EDUmarketing@carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry-leading education technology partners’ events, visit our Education solutions portfolio and Education Events page. 

Healthcare Program Executive: HIMSS 2025: Top 5 Insights

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At the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Global Health Conference and Exhibition 2025, health IT professionals, healthcare personnel and Government leaders joined to connect on the latest trends in the healthcare industry. As a provider and distributor of health IT solutions, Carahsoft and its partners are equipped to communicate recent trends and connect care providers, agencies and companies with the technology they need to embrace the future of healthcare. 


Here are the top 5 insights for the technology industry and Government from this year’s conference.  

1. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare  

Healthcare must ensure all provided tools are safe, effective and ethical to ensure the best outcomes for patients. As the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry is relatively new, providers and public health officials should employ risk management practices, strong governance and transparency with their usage of the tool.  

Providers should employ best practices for AI usage:  

  • Understand AI’s risk profile 
  • Ensure that data is representative of patients 
  • Address potential biases  

With continuous monitoring, providers can mitigate any potential model drifts and gain better oversight of the dynamic nature of AI systems. By highlighting the areas of risk, the healthcare system can make informed decisions on which tools, solutions and personnel to deploy to mitigate risk.  

Carahsoft HIMSS AI Interoperability Tradeshow Recap Blog Embedded Image 2025

There are many opportunities for AI in Healthcare. In the session “HL’s Ride on the AI Train,” the Chief Executive Officer of HL7 International, Charles Jaffe, discussed how AI can enable healthcare providers to promote interoperability. AI can also help providers address industry concerns, such as data provenance and data lineage. In the session “Shaping the Future of healthcare: A Collaborative Care Journey Where Technology and Humanity Coexist,” speakers Seung Woo Park and Meong Hi Son, respectively the President and Chief Medical Information Officer and Associate Professor at Samsung Medical Center (SMC), mentioned that SMC reduced the nurse turnover rate from 9.3% to 5.9% by assisting their workflow with AI and automation. In the session “Disruptive Technologies: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities of Cyber, AI and Beyond,” the Former Commander and U.S. Cyber Command and Former Director at the National Security Agency, Paul Nakasone, noted that AI-driven behavior changes could transform healthcare and prevent chronic diseases. Using AI to get suggestions on sleep, meditation, diet and stress management can all help in between doctor visits to chip away at chronic diseases. Through the collaboration of providers and technology, service in healthcare can be reshaped for the better, providing a gateway into personal medicine. 


2. Improving Healthcare Quality through Interoperability  

Another point of discussion at HIMSS was the role of digital technology and standards in improving healthcare quality. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has several initiatives, such as the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) data model and the Bulk FHIR Quality Coalition, aimed at enhancing digital quality measurement by enabling end-to-end FHIR data exchanges. Quality measurement has evolved, and standardized clinical data helps accelerate that evolution. With modern computing platforms and technologies, such as Bulk FHIR, healthcare institutions can utilize real-time, continuous data processing, improving data encryption, data security and quality measurement. With comprehensive and timely data sharing among healthcare stakeholders, patients can get results from labs and pharmacies quicker, and can share their data across different healthcare offices, improving the affordability and quality of services.   


3. Addressing Veteran Needs in Collaboration with CMS 

On average, patients have their medical data located at 5.6 different locations, making interoperability, the ability of information to be exchanged between different health systems or technology systems, instrumental in helping patients and providers alike to improve the healthcare experience. 

In the session “A Discussion: Transforming Care Through Interoperability,” members of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and University of Oklahoma discussed the benefits of interoperability for veterans. Data sharing between the VA and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) can address healthcare challenges, such as dementia, suicidal ideation, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and oncology by enabling the two agencies to collaborate to achieve actionable approaches for real-world cases. For example, improving care coordination, optimizing resource utilization and driving better outcomes for veterans and other patients. 

Data sharing and collaboration is key to achieving efficient and effective healthcare delivery in the modernized health data infrastructure. In modernizing the infrastructure of the healthcare industry through interoperability, providers and patients can alleviate the work burden and work towards finding solutions at an expedited and swifter rate. The need for remote patient monitoring tools (RPM) is key to assist physicians and clinicians with increased data collection to support real-time treatment of these chronic illnesses for our veterans. 

HIMSS_Day 1_Case Study - Missouri Mission to Transform Digital Health

4. Leveraging Data to Improve Service 

Digital health increases the speed of learning, helps patients and providers overcome health inequity and increases the effectiveness of virtual care. In the session “Case Study: Missouri’s Mission to Transform Digital Health,” speakers Joshua Wymer, the Chief Health Information and Data Strategy Officer of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and Natasha Ramontal, the Digital Health Strategist in Community Outcomes for HIMSS, discussed the DHSS’ journey to transform digital health. To address the needs of businesses, HIMSS and the DHSS teamed up, eliminating duplicate data sets, reducing volumes of data entry and improving regulatory oversight. Through their collaboration in improving the handling of data, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services became the first state level organization to successfully implement HIMSS’ Digital Health Indicator model.  


5. Bolstering Cybersecurity Mitigation with OCR and HIPAA 

In the session “Preparing for OCR’s Revived HIPAA Security Audits,” speaker Nadia Faheem Coster, the Executive Vice President of Permit Intelligence Services, discussed the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR) 2025 audit program, which applies to fifty entities and business associates. The audit focuses on decreasing hacking and ransomware attacks.  

HIMSS_Day 1_Preparing for OCR Revived HIPAA Security Audits

To combat bad actors, Coster recommends:  

  1. Maintaining a risk management plan 
  1. Conducting annual secure risk assessments 
  1. Ensuring all policies and procedures are up to date 

Coster also emphasized the need for segmentation and asset inventory under the proposed Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security 2.0 rule. All related health systems and the IT industry should ensure their software and hardware are compliant under the proposed ruling. System resiliency is the gold standard for health systems looking to comply with the HIPAA Security 2.0 ruling. 


Data sharing, cybersecurity awareness, interoperability and artificial intelligence all enable cheaper and quicker work, whether it is sharing information between healthcare providers or on internal day-to-day operations, while ensuring quality care. By enabling the latest solutions in healthcare technology, health systems can create a better work environment for providers and a seamless experience for patients.  


To learn more about interoperability, legislation, cybersecurity and AI in healthcare, visit Carahsoft’s Healthcare Technology solutions portfolio to explore solutions showcased at HIMSS. For additional research into the key takeaways thought, industry and Government leaders presented at HIMSS, view Carahsoft’s extensive market research brief for a deeper dive.

Strengthening Cybersecurity in the Age of Low-Code and AI: Addressing Emerging Risks

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As new technologies like low-code/no-code development and generative AI (GenAI) revolutionize how we build and interact with software, they also bring about new security challenges—especially for the public sector. Protecting sensitive information and online accounts is more critical than ever, as cybercriminals look to exploit gaps in these emerging systems. Ensuring robust security and threat visibility is now essential for safeguarding against the risks associated with these advancements, especially as traditional safeguards become less effective in the face of evolving threats.


Low-code Development Exposes New Risk

One of the unintended consequences of our shift to a low-code/no-code development paradigm is the delegation of complex development tasks to Large Language Models (LLMs) and GenAI systems, often bypassing seasoned developers and architects. This opens new opportunities for cybercriminals. These systems excel at functional requirements—‘Build me a website that accepts customer checkout requests’—but they rarely infer non-functional needs, like security, unless explicitly instructed.

In traditional software development, security considerations are often implicit, stemming from the experience of developers and architects who’ve spent years learning from real-world failures. GenAI, however, lacks this depth of experience and focuses narrowly on the task at hand. The result? Incomplete or inadequate security measures in software developed through these systems. As organizations lean more heavily on GenAI, we risk creating an insecure software ecosystem ripe for exploitation by threat actors.


The Proliferation of Knowledge-Based Verification Attacks

We’re on the brink of a surge in automated attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in Knowledge-Based Verification (KBV) systems. Large-scale data breaches, like the one that exposed millions of Social Security numbers last year, are eroding the effectiveness of this approach at confirming identity when creating an account or supporting a password reset. These processes often rely on KBV—such as answering questions about your mother’s maiden name or the street you grew up on—but this information is increasingly accessible to malicious actors.

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As these personal details become more widely available through data breaches and online marketplaces, attackers can easily bypass KBV systems. Worse yet, threat actors can now leverage LLMs to develop sophisticated tools to mine personal data at scale and orchestrate automated attacks against these KBV systems. Organizations face an urgent challenge: how to protect accounts in a world where traditional KBV methods are no longer secure or reliable while still offering users a legitimate path to create an account or regain access when needed.


LLM Safeguards Can Be Overridden or Bypassed by Running Models Locally

With the proliferation of local LLM instances and tools like Ollama, we’ll see safeguards embedded in commercial LLMs eroded or bypassed entirely. Running models locally can allow threat actors to fine-tune them, removing restrictions on malicious activity and enabling custom models optimized for cybercrime. This creates a new frontier for scaled attacks that are faster, more targeted, and harder to detect until it’s too late.

Imagine a threat actor fine-tuning a model to craft phishing campaigns, identify vulnerabilities in software, or automate account takeovers. The ability to localize and modify these models fundamentally shifts the balance, empowering attackers with tools tailored to their malicious intent. The guardrails built into commercial LLMs are no match for this growing trend, amplifying the need for robust detection and defense strategies at every level.

As the public sector continues to adopt innovative technologies, staying ahead of emerging cyber threats is crucial. The increasing sophistication of attacks, such as those targeting KBV systems and leveraging GenAI, highlights the need for stronger protections. By prioritizing comprehensive security measures and threat detection, organizations can mitigate the risks of these evolving vulnerabilities and safeguard their sensitive data and online accounts against malicious actors. It is essential to build and maintain resilient security strategies to ensure the integrity of digital infrastructures in this rapidly changing environment.


To learn more about how HUMAN Security helps the public sector protect citizen accounts, sensitive information, and critical infrastructure, click here.


Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including HUMAN Security, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

The Subcommittee on OSINT: A Milestone for National Security 

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The establishment of the Subcommittee on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) within the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) marks a significant step forward in recognizing the vital role of OSINT in modern intelligence and national security. This dedicated subcommittee is designed to provide oversight, guidance and strategic direction for OSINT initiatives across the intelligence community (IC). Chaired by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), the subcommittee focuses on enhancing OSINT capabilities by promoting data sharing, professionalizing OSINT as a discipline and ensuring adequate resource allocation. By leveraging publicly available information, OSINT plays a critical role in identifying global threats, improving situational awareness and strengthening national security.  

Purpose and Mission 

The OSINT subcommittee is responsible for overseeing programs and policies that ensure the collection, analysis and dissemination of OSINT align with national security objectives. It will advocate for increased funding and resource allocation to enhance OSINT capabilities while encouraging innovation through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and automation tools to improve the effectiveness of OSINT. Additionally, the subcommittee will address ethical and legal considerations by establishing guidelines that adhere to privacy laws, civil liberties and best practices.  

Why OSINT Matters 

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OSINT has become a cornerstone of modern intelligence gathering, providing real-time, publicly available data to supplement classified intelligence. By leveraging OSINT, agencies can accelerate threat detection and response by prioritizing the most critical risks, ensuring a proactive defense strategy. OSINT supports counterterrorism efforts, combats disinformation, identifies cyber threat actors, assesses geopolitical risks and aids in crisis response, making it an essential tool for strategic planning and real-time threat mitigation. 

Impact on the Intelligence Community 

The formation of this subcommittee signals a shift toward a more structured and well-funded approach to OSINT. By prioritizing open-source data collection, analysis and integration, the IC can gain faster, more accurate and cost-effective insights into global events. Additionally, it opens the door for increased collaboration between the Government and Private Sector OSINT providers, fostering innovation and strengthening national security. 

Carahsoft’s Perspective 

As The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider™, Carahsoft Technology Corp. views this initiative as a game-changer for the OSINT community, recognizing the congressional backing as a significant momentum builder for the discipline. With formal recognition and dedicated oversight at the congressional level, OSINT will receive the attention, investment and structure needed to solidify its role as an indispensable intelligence asset in an era of rapidly evolving digital threats. This move is expected to bring increased resources, enhanced policies and a more strategic approach to OSINT initiatives. For industry leaders like Carahsoft, it presents greater opportunities to collaborate with Government agencies, drive innovation and contribute to the evolving landscape of intelligence gathering. The subcommittee’s focus aligns with Carahsoft’s mission to provide cutting-edge OSINT tools and services, ultimately strengthening the nation’s intelligence capabilities. 

Discover how Carahsoft’s OSINT portfolio of trusted technology partnerships and innovative solutions can enhance intelligence gathering.

The Top 10 5G Events for Government in 2025

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As the demand for enhanced connectivity continues to grow, the upcoming 5G events for Government professionals present a unique opportunity to explore the transformative potential of next-generation wireless technology. With 5G, agencies can achieve unprecedented levels of speed, reliability and efficiency, paving the way for innovative solutions in public safety, emergency management and critical infrastructure. These events will showcase how 5G is revolutionizing operations, enabling the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into Government workflows. Join Carahsoft and our esteemed partners at these pivotal gatherings to discover how to harness the power of 5G, engage with industry leaders and gain insights that will drive mission success while ensuring the security and integrity of Public Sector networks.


2025 5G Summit | Potomac Officers Club 

February 27 | Tysons, VA | In-Person Event 

The U.S. Government is at the forefront of leveraging 5G and FutureG technologies to drive transformative advancements. From strengthening national security and public safety to enhancing citizen services and critical Federal missions, 5G is set to revolutionize operations across the board. Ready to explore its full potential? Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 5G Summit to dive into key topics including 5G at the edge, its role in the DoD’s CJADC2 initiatives, 5G-enabled warfighting capabilities and more.  

Sessions to look out for:  

  • Securing 5G in the Field 
  • Operationalizing the Vision: From 5G Concepts to Real-World Defense Applications with Leland Brown (Moderator) 

Carahsoft is a key exhibiting sponsor at this year’s event, showcasing its dedication to advancing the public sector’s digital transformation. By partnering with leading technology providers, Carahsoft offers innovative 5G solutions that support secure communications, smart city applications and enhanced operational efficiencies. These collaborations ensure that Government agencies can deploy scalable and secure 5G technologies to meet the growing demands of their digital infrastructure. 


MWC25 

March 3-6 | Fira Gran Via, Barcelona | In-Person Event 

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Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025 is a key industry event where leaders from top global companies, international Governments and innovative technology businesses gather to frame the future of connectivity. This event offers iconic insights from renowned and emerging voices across technology, industry, policy and ethics. Attendees can explore groundbreaking innovations from the world’s greatest startups and tech pioneers and witness the intersection of connectivity and connected industries driving revolutionary solutions. Additionally, MWC Barcelona is a unique platform for bridging ministerial programs, social policy, business leadership and technology development to achieve sustainable progress. 

Sessions to look out for:  

  • 5G’s Big Moment: The Time is Now 
  • 5G Innovations That Matter: Real-World Use Cases Driving Value 

Carahsoft maintains strategic partnerships with Nokia, AWS, Palo Alto Networks and Ericsson. These collaborations enable Carahsoft to offer a comprehensive range of 5G solutions and services to the public sector. By leveraging the strengths of these industry giants, Carahsoft ensures that Government agencies have access to cutting-edge technology for enhanced connectivity, security and cloud solutions. For more information visit 5G Technology Government Providers | Carahsoft. 


IWCE 2025 Conference 

March 17-20 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event 

The International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) is the premier annual event uniting stakeholders across public safety, Government, emergency management, utilities, education, transportation, healthcare and other critical infrastructure sectors. It is a unique opportunity to network, learn and explore how advancements in critical mobility technologies are transforming operations and reshaping the future of critical communications.  

Sessions to look out for:  

  • AI and 5G Mobile Devices: Transforming Public Safety Operations 
  • Advancements in Spectrum Monitoring for Rapid RFI Location 

Carahsoft collaborates with Verizon, T-Mobile and AWS to enhance Government connectivity with cutting-edge 5G solutions. These collaborations enable Carahsoft to provide secure and scalable 5G technologies that enhance communication, operational efficiency and smart city applications for public sector organizations. For more information visit 5G The Future of Government Connectivity | Carahsoft. 


Future G for Defense Summit 

March 26-27 | Alexandria, VA | In-Person Event 

DSI’s 2nd Annual FutureG for Defense Summit will gather leaders from the DoD, Federal Government, industry and academia to discuss 5G and wireless networking technologies. This two-day event will focus on the adoption of commercial 5G and NextG technologies to support Warfighter. The implementation of 5G is crucial for faster speeds, more bandwidth and supporting advanced technologies like AI. Greater cooperation between the private sector and Government is essential for integrating 5G and FutureG capabilities. Senior leaders will address initiatives such as developing open radio networks (O-RAN) and fostering public-private partnerships to bridge the 5G gap. 

Sessions to look out for:  

  • 5G, 6G, NextG: Preparing for the Next Generation of Wireless Network Technologies Across DoD 
  • Integrating 5G Capabilities for the Future Soldier 

Through its distribution partnerships with T-Mobile and MITRE, Carahsoft plays a vital role in advancing Government connectivity and defense capabilities. These strategic partnerships ensure the delivery of cutting-edge networking infrastructure and enablement of seamless secure connectivity for various Government applications. 


OFC 2025 

March 30-April 3 | San Francisco, CA | In-Person Event 

Immerse yourself in the future of the high-quality optical communications and networking industry at OFC 2025. This premier event brings attendees the latest research, innovations and newest commercial products through hundreds of exhibitors, speakers and thought leaders across industry and academia. Additional programs attendees can expect throughout the week include symposia, in-depth tutorials, workshops and panels that will showcase market trends, emerging technologies and insight into the state of the industry.  

Carahsoft is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the Full Spectrum Rock n Roll Party and Concert on April 2! OFC badge holders get free entry to this exciting event. We invite you to join us, along with our strategic partners Infinera and Nokia, at the Chase Center in San Francisco for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks and rock ‘n’ roll. This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to network, celebrate and enjoy great music! 


Smart Cities Connect: Spring Conference and Expo 

April 14-16 | San Antonio, TX | In-Person Event 

Smart cities have transitioned from visionary concepts to practical realities, delivering significant benefits for both people and the planet. From pioneering pilot projects to long-term infrastructure investments, smart city solutions address pressing urban challenges. This spring, join thought leaders, urban planners, technologists, policymakers, researchers and industry experts to explore the strategies, critical elements and collaborative efforts needed to drive sustainable transformations in urban communities and examine the diverse dimensions of fostering lasting change in cities. 

Sessions to look out for:  

  • Open and Smart Solutions for the World’s Smartest Cities 
  • Transforming Urban Infrastructure: Public Safety, Equity and Environment 

Carahsoft’s dedication to advancing connectivity solutions and fostering innovation is showcased through its strategic partnerships with 2024 sponsors Intel, Dell, Nvidia and AWS. These collaborations enable Carahsoft to deliver cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency and secure communications for Government agencies. By working with these industry leaders, Carahsoft supports the digital transformation of the public sector, ensuring that Federal, State and Local Governments have access to the latest advancements in technology. 


International Telecoms Week 2025 

May 5-7 | National Harbor, MD | In-Person Event 

International Telecoms Week (ITW) is the premier event for gathering leaders from across the digital infrastructure spectrum. ITW brings together visionaries and innovators to shape the future of global communications. With cutting-edge technologies and unparalleled networking opportunities, it serves as the largest platform to connect with the entire international connectivity market, from satellite to subsea and beyond.  

Sessions to look out for:  

  • Future Networks 
  • Data Center 2.0 
  • Multi-Channel Communications 

Connect with Carahsoft’s strategic partners, including Nokia, Infinera and T-Mobile, at International Telecoms Week 2025 in National Harbor, MD. These industry leaders are sponsoring the event to showcase their commitment to innovation across the digital infrastructure spectrum. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies, network with experts and learn how these partnerships are driving advancements in connectivity and telecommunications. Don’t miss out on this exciting event! 


Connectivity Expo 2025 

May 12-14 | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL | In-Person Event 

This event is a premier gathering for professionals in the connectivity industry, focusing on the latest advancements in 5G, fiber and wireless technologies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore innovative solutions and participate in sessions covering a wide range of topics, from network infrastructure to digital transformation. Connectivity Expo Connect (X) is an essential event for anyone involved in the future of connectivity. 

At the Connect (X) 2025, be sure to attend sessions on the latest 5G deployments, advancements in fiber technology and innovations in wireless infrastructure. These sessions will feature insights from industry leaders and showcase cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of connectivity. 

Connect X will feature over 200 sponsors and exhibitors, cutting-edge content and more than 10 networking events. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from exclusive Carahsoft partners and speakers, including Sergio Adames, Director of New Partnerships and Business Development at T-Mobile; Tanveer Saad, Head of Edge Cloud Innovation and Ecosystem at Nokia; and Will Adams, VP of Strategic Policy and Planning at T-Mobile. These industry leaders will share their insights on the latest advancements in digital infrastructure and connectivity. Join us for an exciting and informative experience! 


2025 UTC TELECOM & TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE 

June 16-19 | Long Beach, CA | In-Person Event 

Connect with industry experts and peers at this leading event tailored for information and communication technology (ICT) professionals and partners. Dive into four days of immersive learning and networking, featuring pre-conference training, workshops, roundtables and summits led by global experts who are actively driving utility modernization. Explore cutting-edge solutions in the Exhibit Hall and gain valuable insights to strengthen your professional toolkit.  

Sessions to look out for:  

  • Future of Fiber Technology 3-5 Year Outlook  
  • Planning the Deployment of a Hybrid Advanced Communications Network of PLTE/5G & Fiber 

Carahsoft maintains strategic partnerships with Premier and Gold sponsors Nokia and Ciena. At the 2025 UTC Telecom & Technology event, these collaborations will be showcased, highlighting joint efforts to enhance telecommunications infrastructure. The event, scheduled for June 16-19, 2025, at the Long Beach Convention Center, will bring together industry leaders to discuss advancements in information and communications technology (ICT). Carahsoft’s partnerships with Nokia and Ciena will be pivotal in demonstrating cutting-edge solutions for modernizing utilities and improving network performance. 


Carahsoft | Public Sector 5G Summit 

August 20 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

We are excited to announce Carahsoft’s 2nd Annual 5G Summit, Create Opportunities for Innovation. Join us in person on Thursday, August 20 at 12:00pm in the Carahsoft Conference & Collaboration Center. Hear industry and Government thought leaders discuss the latest advancements in 5G network rollouts, explore how 5G can create new opportunities to fulfill agencies’ unique missions and look ahead to the future possibilities of 6G. Following our summit, please join us for a networking reception hosted by Carahsoft for delicious appetizers and refreshing drinks!  

Register now to join us at the event and learn more about how Carahsoft and our partners can support your 5G mission initiatives. View our exclusive agenda to learn more about the sessions and speakers! 


As the landscape of connectivity continues to evolve, attending key events focused on 5G and related technologies is essential for Government professionals and industry stakeholders alike. Carahsoft facilitates connections between leading experts and attendees while showcasing innovative solutions from its strategic partners. These events not only provide a platform for networking but also offer invaluable insights into the latest advancements and best practices shaping the future of communication infrastructure. Engaging with the vibrant community at these events, supported by Carahsoft’s commitment to advancing connectivity, will empower professionals to drive meaningful change and ensure that their organization remain at the forefront of the connectivity revolution.  


To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at 5G@carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading 5G technology partners’ events, visit our 5G solutions portfolio and 5G Events page.  

Protecting Government Benefit Programs from Automated Fraud

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Nation-states, ransomware gangs, and cyber criminals have a new weapon of choice: AI-powered bots. These systems, which mimic human behavior to automate tasks, have already helped fraudsters siphon hundreds of billions of dollars from federal programs. If left unchecked, this problem will cause taxpayers severe financial harm. The incoming administration will need to move quickly to guard against this rapidly growing threat.

The need to better defend the nation’s technology infrastructure against AI-powered attacks is not a partisan issue, and it is likely our new cyber leaders can build upon some actions taken by the last administration, including the final cybersecurity EO, issued in January 2025, that highlighted the role that stolen or synthetic identities play in defrauding our government programs. While the focus on instituting modernized digital identity methods may be appropriate, we’d like to offer a few additional considerations for our incoming cyber leaders on how to attack this problem.


The Bots Are Here

HUMAN Security NightDragon Protecting Government Benefit Programs Automated Fraud Blog Embedded Image 2025

Bots are increasingly being used by malicious actors to hack into systems, scrape personal data, or submit fake claims for benefits. At its simplest, they can use credentials and identification information purchased or stolen on the dark web to perpetrate fraud against benefit websites. From overwhelming public benefit portals with credential stuffing attacks to manipulating identity verification systems with precision-targeted scams, bots exploit gaps in digital identity systems at a speed, precision, and scale that is incredibly hard to defend against. And with the advancements in AI, they can increasingly mimic legitimate users to bypass security measures faster than most institutions can adapt.

In fact, in 2021, the Department of Labor found that at least $87 billion of the nearly $900 billion in unemployment insurance awarded under the CARES Act in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic were paid improperly, with a significant, but indeterminable portion attributable to fraud. However, in 2023 alone, bots were responsible for 352 billion attacks targeting login portals, credential verification systems, and transaction flows across industries, according to HUMAN’s Quadrillion report.

With 20 percent of login attempts across observed systems linked to account takeover attacks, and 150 million new compromised credential pairs discovered last year, bots are evolving into the ultimate enablers of fraud. If left unchecked, they could amplify the scale of fraud exponentially.


How do we prevent this problem from evolving from merely headline-grabbing to system-crippling?

Our incoming cyber leaders must recognize bots as the major root cause of the fraud problem and refocus attention on deploying cutting-edge new tools on U.S. federal systems to defend the thousands of .gov websites the government administers. This includes deploying applications that can help protect from automated credential stuffing and brute force attempts, block bots from manipulating web applications, prevent data contamination in which bots disseminate fake information to skew metrics, and prevent the unauthorized data harvesting of public websites. 

The government must also take the lead in helping private sector entities adopt these tools. The federal government can serve as a catalyst, pushing hold-out organizations to invest in their own fraud defenses. Private businesses are looking for guidance on this issue. Bot detection and counter bot solutions deserve the same level of attention as endpoint detection, patch management, and other fundamental security controls. Proactively embedding bot mitigation into NIST frameworks, for example, will ensure government systems are prepared to defend against automated fraud at scale. Following on this, government guidance relating to how agencies establish Zero Trust architectures should also incorporate bot detection and mitigation.

Finally, we must foster stronger public-private collaboration to advance bot mitigation. Existing bodies for public-private cooperation on cybersecurity must more deliberately include bot intelligence and insight-sharing. We must evolve outdated conceptions of what constitutes cyber threat intelligence (CTI), and endeavor to collect, analyze and report bot intelligence as its own distinct, but highly important category of CTI.

As our incoming cyber leaders in the new administration plan their agenda, it is critical they understand that the root cause of large-scale fraud is not just weak digital identity management methods but AI-powered bots. Bots that undermine the delivery of services and benefits to millions. Combating fraud perpetrated by and with them is a national priority.


To learn more about how HUMAN Security and NightDragon work better together to support Government agencies in their mission to defend against bots, visit our website!


Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including HUMAN Security and NightDragon, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Modernizing the Department of Defense’s Authorization to Operate Process For Agility

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What is the National Defense Authorization Act?

Since 1961, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has authorized funding levels and provided authorities for the U.S. military and other critical defense priorities, ensuring America’s forces have the resources they need to carry out their missions.


Authority to Operate

A barrier that exists for technology companies is obtaining an Authorization to Operate (ATO) for their software applications, services, and or platform capabilities. The ATO process can be challenging, tedious, and unpredictable, with varying costs and timelines. This process is particularly cumbersome and incongruent with the dynamic nature of software deployment. Once the ATO hurdle is cleared, technology companies face their next challenge: continuous monitoring and associated updates. Every major software update must be run through a compliance process. This poses significant challenges for both the software company and the government end-user. It prohibits the timely and continuous resolution of issues and prevents the government from leveraging the latest and most cutting-edge version of an application.

“Presumptive reciprocity” in the context of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) refers to a provision mandating that if one Department of Defense (DoD) authorizing official has approved a cloud-based platform or service as secure, then other DoD officials should automatically accept that assessment without needing to conduct a separate review. Presumptive reciprocity helps lighten the ATO burden and was recently reinforced in Section 1522 of the FY25 NDAA. Enabling another DoD organization to take an ATO for their software application, services, and or platforms from the Air Force Authorizing Official, for example, and having it accepted by the Navy’s Authorizing Official, greatly reduces the burden on both government accrediting officials and the technology company.  Most importantly, the DoD warfighter wins by gaining access to best-in-class capabilities delivered at the speed of relevance, ensuring they can execute their missions effectively.

Second Front Systems DoD Authorization to Operate Blog Chart Image 2025


FY2025 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT (NDAA) SEC. 1522.

What does the language in Sec. 1522 of the FY25 NDAA on DoD Presumptive Reciprocity entail?

  • Tasks the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) to work with Military Department CIOs to develop and regularly maintain a digital directory of all Authorizing Officials (AOs) across the DoD. Specifically, this database will contain current contact information of the AOs AND list training requirements that must be completed to be certified and perform the duties of an AO.
  • Identifies the need to establish a policy for “Presumption of Reciprocal Software Accrediting Standards.” The DoD CIO is tasked with creating and implementing a policy for DoD that would require AOs to adopt security analysis and supporting documentation of cloud-hosted platforms, services, or applications that have been approved by another AO in the DoD.
    • This policy change will allow for more rapid adoption of cloud-hosted platforms, services, or applications at the corresponding classification level (e.g., CUI, Secret, Top Secret) with the existing approval conditions and no further authorization or approval reviews required.
    • The policy will include the following:
      • Standardization of security, accreditation, performance, and operational capabilities of the cloud-hosted platforms, services, and applications;
      • A digital workflow to document acceptance by/among the mission owners and system owners to use the operational capabilities from the cloud-hosted platforms, services, and applications;  and
      • Define an adjudication process with associated timelines that would allow AOs that disagree with using this policy to present their rationale to the DoD CIO or designated entity for reconciliation.
    • The policy applies to the following:
      • ALL AOs in the DoD (Military Department, Defense Agency and Field Activity, and Component).
      • ALL operational capabilities of cloud-hosted platforms, services, and applications that are on public cloud infrastructure and authorized through FedRAMP and DISA AND capabilities in private cloud landing zones managed by the DoD that have been approved by DoD AOs.

The big take away here is that the FY25 NDAA language marks a significant step forward in reducing bureaucratic hurdles for both technology companies and the DoD. By implementing “presumptive reciprocity,” the NDAA streamlines the ATO process, enabling faster adoption of cloud-hosted platforms and services while maintaining rigorous security standards. This policy helps ensure that the DoD can access cutting-edge technology more efficiently, empowering warfighters with the tools they need to execute their missions with speed and precision. As the DoD continues to modernize and adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, these changes pave the way for a more agile, secure, and effective defense ecosystem.


To learn more about Second Front Systems and the National Defense Authorization Act, visit our website and keep up with our latest efforts with the DoD.


Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Second Front Systems, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Modernizing Government IT: A Case Study in JSM Implementation

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A local government entity responsible for managing IT service operations across multiple departments (including Utilities, Fire, Clerk’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Finance, HR, and more) needed to modernize its IT service management system. Their existing ITSM platform was costly, difficult to maintain, and fragmented across departments, making it inefficient to manage service operations. To streamline operations, they selected Atlassian’s Jira Service Management (JSM) as a scalable, cost-effective solution that could be rapidly deployed to support IT and departmental service needs.

ANB Technologies partnered with the government entity to implement JSM, leveraging ANB’s high-velocity accelerators to optimize processes, reduce costs, enhance delivery speed, and automate workflows.


Key Challenges:

The local government entity faced several challenges with its legacy ITSM system, including:

  • Fragmented Service Operations: Each department had its own service workflow, causing inefficiencies and inconsistencies in handling service requests.
  • High Costs: The existing system was expensive, requiring significant investment in maintenance and lengthy upgrades.
  • Difficult to Maintain and Scale: Expanding the system to support additional departments and use cases was slow and complex.
  • Manual and Inefficient Workflows: The lack of process standardization led to delays, increased workloads, and poor visibility into service requests.

Our Solution:

To address these challenges, ANB Technologies implemented JSM as a modern, centralized IT service management platform, leveraging ANB’s High-Velocity Accelerators—built on industry best practices and preconfigured JSM components—to enable rapid deployment and streamlined operations.

Atlassian ANB Technologies JSM Implementation Blog Embedded Image 2025
  • Incident Management: Incident management processes was optimized with a structured JSM workflow for consistent issue resolution across departments. SLAs and an impact-urgency-priority matrix improved categorization, routing, and response efficiency, while automated notifications kept stakeholders informed.
  • Service Request Management: JSM implementation also included development of automated workflows of service request types across multiple departments. The implementation included workflows for IT-related requests such as software and hardware provisioning, email access, and account setup. HR processes like employee onboarding and offboarding were streamlined.
  • Self-Service Portal: A JSM based self-service portal was implemented, allowing employees to submit and track requests in real time. The portal was backed by a comprehensive knowledge base, equipping users with self-help resources to resolve common issues independently.
  • Comprehensive Knowledge Management: A centralized knowledge base in Confluence was introduced, providing end-users and service agents with structured access to troubleshooting guides, department procedures, and internal support documentation for seamless collaboration and issue resolution.
  • Asset Management: For asset tracking, JSM Asset management application was configured to manage IT and city-owned resources, including laptops, desktops, software licenses, and department-specific equipment such as vehicles and facility assets. Data relationships between users, groups, locations, and divisions were established to provide comprehensive asset visibility and lifecycle tracking.

Outcomes:

By leveraging Jira Service Management (JSM), ANB Technologies rapidly delivered a modern IT service management solution, enabling the local government entity to:

  • Empower Users with Self-Service & Knowledge Management: Employees could self-resolve issues and track their requests, reducing IT and administrative workload.
  • Reduce Costs: Transitioning to JSM eliminated costly maintenance and licensing fees, lowering overall expenses.
  • Streamline Service Operations & Reduce Resolution Times: Unified JSM incident and request workflows improved service delivery and significantly reduced resolution times.
  • Improve Transparency & Visibility: Departments gained real-time insights into service requests, incidents, and asset tracking.
  • Speed to deliver: By eliminating lengthy platform upgrades and enabling rapid development, the time to market for launching new JSM features was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

By implementing Jira Service Management (JSM), ANB Technologies enabled the local government entity to replace its costly, fragmented, and difficult-to-maintain system with a centralized, scalable solution. The rapidly deployed JSM platform streamlined workflows across departments, reduced operational costs, improved service efficiency, and enhanced visibility—ensuring long-term success.


Join Atlassian, ANB Technologies, and Carahsoft during our webinar on March 18, 2025 to learn more about this use case and implementing Jira Service Management into your agency.


Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Atlassian, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

Navy Customer Executive: WEST 2025: Top 10 Insights on AI, Cybersecurity and More

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Government leaders, military officials and industry professionals gathered at AFCEA’s WEST 2025 conference to discuss the newest technologies, modern networking capabilities and cybersecurity initiatives that enhance operations within the Sea Services. As a technology provider for the Department of Defense (DoD) and industry experts affiliated with the Navy, Carahsoft and its partners are deeply aligned with the goals of the Navy and Sea Services and is committed to providing mission-critical technologies to keep the country safe. Carahsoft and over 90 of our partners, including Adobe, Appgate, Crowdstrike, Docusign, HashiCorp, Hitachi, Qualys and WIZ joined at WEST 2025 to showcase solutions in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, DevSecOps, Zero Trust and more.  

Check out the action from San Diego, California in our West 2025 recap video!

Here are the top ten insights for the technology industry and Government from this year’s conference.  

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the U.S. Navy

There are many opportunities for AI in the Navy, such as the OpenShip Tool and its usage of OpenAI’s Whisper model to translate incoming communications through the Navy’s Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. Remote monitoring can detect issues with technology and support rapid troubleshooting. AI can also be used to predict turnaround time, helping the workforce choose when to prioritize projects and deliver items on time.  

AI can simplify operations. PMS 406 unmanned Maritime Systems runs the Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA), whose architecture creates a low barrier of entry for operation. With AI, update 6.0 of the UMAA and the Navy’s “Replicator initiative,” which works to field hundreds of autonomous systems by August 2025,” every soldier could operate a drone.  

In the session “Fleet AI Deployment,” Lieutenant Artem Sherbinin, the Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Navy ‘s Task Force Hopper, reviewed the three priority areas for the Navy’s AI usage, which are to: 

  • Outthink adversaries 
  • Enhance administrative work 
  • Maintain goal of keeping 80% of combat surge-ready fleet 

By using AI capabilities, the Navy can empower its acquisition force to act efficiently and quickly. Lieutenant Sherbinin also discussed two upcoming projects. Navy warships produce 150TB of data per warship per day. To manage this massive volume of data, the Navy is building a Warfighting Data and AI Ecosystem. This tool’s requirements are being drafted and will be submitted in the upcoming fiscal year, but currently include components such as data extraction, data processing and sensor updates to ships underway. Vendors should keep an eye out for pre-RFPs and RFI opportunities surrounding this capability.  The second project is a new Commercial Solutions Offering (CSO), the Surface Lethality CSO. This soon to be released solution will be released through the Defense Innovation Unit on AI for Surface Lethality, and will expedite decision-making and enable the Navy to keep ahead of adversaries.  

2. Red Teaming to Improve Cybersecurity

In the session “Leveraging Cloud to Accelerate Unmanned and Autonomous System (UAS) Mission Critical Capabilities,” Allen Mcafee, CTO of Fuse Integration, discussed the desire to increase red teaming—a process for testing cybersecurity by having allied hackers conduct non-threatening breaches—amongst autonomous systems to increase the robust quality of existing programs, especially in the electronic and kinetic fields. Vendors that specialize in cybersecurity solutions for autonomous systems should offer red team services to help solidify UAS security.  

3. The Importance of Maritime Trade to Cybersecurity

In the session “Office of Naval Intelligence Brief,” Rear Admiral Mike Brooks, Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), spoke heavily on the criticality of maritime trade and the effect it has on the posture of the Navy. Chokeholds on shipping ports can hinder the economy, and so ONI is placing further emphasis on gathering intelligence in this area to preserve supply chains.   

4. DISA’s New Cloud-Based Mission Partner Environment

To address logistic challenges, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) developed a mission partner environment within the cloud. This tool acts as a joint sustainment decision tool and will feature an application hosting platform. DISA will initially host this environment, but is looking for commercial partners to host the platform and ensure its accessibility to all allies and partners. 

5. Business Initiatives

The Navy has upgraded its approach to doing business, releasing its Information Superiority Vision (ISV) 2.0. In the initial version, the Navy’s framework for business was “Modernize, Innovate and Defend.” The 2.0 System is: 

Optimize – IT teams can integrate new systems and turn off outdated ones 

Secure – Personnel should think proactively in the design phase, rather than the more reactive “defend” 

Decide – Staff places data into the hands of people who need it 

This new system focuses on being proactive and innovative, integrating a focus on the workforce. Vendors should determine how their solutions fit into one or more of these pillars when marketing their technology and solutions. 

Carahsoft WEST 2025 Blog Embedded Image 2025

The Navy can learn from all types of industries and technology. Former Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command and Former Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr. recounts an example from the 1930s where the Marine Corps struggled to field a landing craft. The solution came from examining a small civilian craft in the local area, showcasing a “Higgins Boat Moment” where the Marine Corps were able to learn from civilian technologies, highlighting the importance of dual-use technology that is prioritized by the DoD. 

Business is fulfilled when employees have bandwidth. In the session “Bringing Enterprise IT to the Edge to Accelerate Innovation,” Captain Kevin White of the PEO C4I PMW/A 170 Navy Communications and GPS Navigation Program discussed how bandwidth can fall into three different categories: morale, business applications and tactical services. When sailors have excellent bandwidth for morale and business applications, they are more efficient tactically.  

The DoD is working on a portal that provides information and education on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) programs. This portal assists in creating effective proposals and understanding language and resources. This page, while accessible, is still in development and will continue to be fleshed out in the upcoming weeks.   

6. Renewing Technology

In the session “I’m charged with Putting a Flux Capacitor in a 1995 Mazda,” Brigadier General of the U.S. Marine Corps and Commanding General of the Marine Corps Installations West Nick I. Brown mentions that whether it is power systems or IT, infrastructure needs to be in place to accept new technology. Much of the DoD’s infrastructure is build on legacy systems or is out of date and needs to be replaced or upgraded before advanced solutions can be put in place. The U.S. Marine Corps is looking for vendors to help with new technology instillations and upgrading existing infrastructure, especially on the West coast. The U.S. Navy is allocating funds to achieve similar goals.  It aims to improve its outdated infrastructure and systems to carry out technology initiatives by the Program Executive Office Digital and support the Navy’s culture of excellence.  

In the session “Why Have a Lambo if You Don’t Have the Road?”, Col. Jared Voneida discussed five major areas that DISA is working on: 

  • Building commercial and Government data centers 
  • Improving theater transport and host nation infrastructure 
  • Fortifying existing cybersecurity infrastructure and Defensive Cyberspace Operations-Internal Defensive Measures (DCO-IDM) 
  • Maintaining command and control of the network 
  • Completing initiatives by 2027 

The Colonel also emphasized the need to divest from legacy time division multiplexing (TDM) infrastructure. While AI and machine learning (ML) has a plethora of uses, until AI/ML software divests from TDM infrastructure, DISA cannot utilize it effectively to assist with their network and data. With updated networks and hardware in place, the Navy and DoD can utilize the newest advanced solutions.  

7. IT at the Center of the Workforce 

To meet the rising demand in recruitment, the Navy has released its new enlisting agent, Robotics Warfare Specialist. With cybersecurity being more at the center of safety, the Navy aims to train more sailors in IT. Additionally, the Navy has released a new enlisted rating, Robotics Warfare Specialist, a new job that helps ensure effective planning and control of autonomous systems.  

8. Improving Productivity by Decreasing Troubleshooting

IT and software issues can lead to lost productivity. RAND Corporation, a research and development nonprofit, recently released a report regarding the viral LinkedIn post “Fix Our Computers” that highlighted user experience challenges with IT systems in the DoD. Their report estimated, on the conservative side, $2.5 billion in lost productivity due to IT and software difficulties.  The Sea Services aim to increase the user friendliness of software to decrease the time lost to troubleshooting. In the sessions “Bringing Enterprise IT to the Edge to Accelerate Innovation,” Captain White of the U.S. Navy attributed the largest productivity gaps to IT teams relying on command line programing. Captain White encourages industries to develop more user-friendly systems that do not rely on command lines.   

9. Compliance is No Longer Enough

In the session “DON CIO Perspective,” Navy CIO Jane Rathbun states that while Authority to Operate (ATO) tells you how secure a system is at that point in time, it does not encourage the readiness mindset that is optimal for protecting cybersecurity. Rathbun encourages switching to continuous monitoring and authorizations of systems, rather than stopping at ATO compliance. Rathbun specifically noted threat analysis and continuous monitoring as areas vendors might be assessed on in the future.  

10. DevSecOps Products that Improve Marine Corps Productivity 

The Marine Corps showcased 11 different products manufactured by the software factory product line related to development, security and operations (DevSecOps).  

Check out details on the products below: 

  • MyCareer – Supports the Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments (MMEA) and aids Marines by monitoring conversations, providing a virtual queue and matching partners based on data on marine preferences 
  • ItemEyes – Provides marine units with a digitized inventory 
  • Sensor Processing Analysis Radar Translation Application (SPARTA) – Hosts data from radar, automatic identification system (AIS) and unmanned systems all in one user-friendly interface 
  • CRUSADER – Controls, processes and detects radar information in one easy to use library 
  • Real-time Alerting, Interference Detection & Electromagnetic Reporting (RAIDER) – Provides real-time alerts for anomalies detected in the electromagnetic spectrum 
  • All-domain Electromagnetic and Radio Organic Trainer (AeroT) – Helps Marines simulate and visualize their electromagnetic signature 
  • EXODUS – Provides evacuees located abroad with personal services, such as mobile passport processing 
  • TAK Design System – Helps Marines navigate and build plugins for Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) 
  • ReserveHub – Enables Marines to find ideal areas when relocating, boosting retention rates 
  • SnapDB – Analyzes pictures taken by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) 
  • J-Series Message Library, Government Open-Source (JSML) – Translates code into J-Series 

Through the developing partnerships between the technology industry and Government as well as Carahsoft and our partners, the DoD can streamline in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, compliance and more. These insights from West 2025 illustrate the Navy and Sea Service’s commitment to continual innovation and maintaining the safety of the nation.  

To learn more about cybersecurity and the defense industry, visit Carahsoft’s defense portfolio to explore solutions showcased at AFCEA’s WEST 2025. For additional research into the key takeaways industry and Government leaders presented at WEST, view Carahsoft’s extensive market research brief for a recap.  

Better Together: How HPE, AMD and Nutanix Empower Modern Enterprises

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The rapid evolution of enterprise technology has made modernization an urgent priority. Businesses today face challenges ranging from complex infrastructure and escalating costs to the rising demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud environments. Together, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nutanix provide unified solutions that simplify operations, strengthen security and deliver unmatched performance, empowering organizations to navigate current demands and prepare for the future.


Addressing Market Challenges with Innovation

In a dynamic market where infrastructure complexity and cost pressures are top concerns, the combined expertise of HPE, AMD and Nutanix is driving transformative solutions. Nutanix’s hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) simplifies multicloud management, enabling organizations to run workloads across on-premises, public and private clouds or colocation sites. With intuitive tools like Prism, Nutanix delivers flexibility, cost efficiency and robust security.

On the hardware side, AMD’s EPYC Central Processing Units (CPUs) have revolutionized the data center market, achieving a 34% market share through scalability (i.e. higher core count options that help reduce server footprint). Designed for diverse workloads, including analytics and hybrid workforce applications, AMD solutions like the 4th Gen EPYC CPUs provide outstanding performance while optimizing total cost of ownership (TCO).

Meanwhile, HPE’s ProLiant DX Gen 11 servers offer fast deployment, tailored configurations and scalable options for diverse business needs. Supported by OpEx models like GreenLake, HPE ensures financial flexibility, making modernization accessible for organizations of all sizes.


Unlocking the Potential of AI

HPE AMD Nutanix Better Together Modern Enterprises Blog Embedded Image 2025

AI is reshaping industries, and the HPE, AMD and Nutanix partnership enables enterprises to meet these infrastructure demands. Nutanix’s HCI platform, paired with AMD’s EPYC CPUs, deliver optimized performance for AI and machine learning (ML) workloads. The Nutanix DX 385 model supports up to four double-wide Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), providing accelerated compute for AI-driven environments. With features like network microsegmentation and automated lifecycle management, Nutanix ensures secure, optimized environments for AI applications.

AMD’s EPYC processors are tailored for AI applications, from small-scale enterprise large language models (LLMs) to large-scale generative AI. High core density and features like Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV) ensure robust performance and security. HPE complements this with ProLiant DX servers designed for AI workloads, including their “GPU in a Box” model, which simplifies deployment and scales with demand, making it easier for businesses to meet the demands of AI-driven applications. Together, these technologies provide enterprises with the computational power and flexibility to unlock AI’s potential within hybrid cloud environments.


Simplifying Modernization Across Infrastructure

Modernization is no longer optional—it is a necessity for businesses navigating an evolving IT landscape. Businesses face the dual challenge of balancing legacy infrastructure needs with the demands of the future. HPE, AMD and Nutanix simplify this transition by addressing performance, security, management and integration, ensuring organizations modernize effectively while maintaining operational continuity.

Performance

Nutanix software on AMD EPYC-powered HPE ProLiant DX servers handles workloads like virtualization, analytics, big data and AI/ML with exceptional performance. The 4th Gen EPYC CPUs deliver high performance across metrics including per core and per server, reducing infrastructure costs. High-frequency CPU options enable the provisioning of more virtual machines and workloads without increasing physical cores, ensuring businesses can scale seamlessly as demands evolve. HPE delivers two high-performance NVMe storage options, designed to boost data center performance while ensuring reliability and security. HPE NVMe Mixed Use (MU) SSDs use Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) Gen4 to boost performance for Big Data, high-performance computing (HPC) and virtualization with fast transfers and low latency. HPE NVMe Read Intensive (RI) SSDs optimize read-heavy workloads like web servers, storage and caching with high-speed PCIe Gen3 and Gen4.

Security

Nutanix integrates features like automatic auditing, encryption and network microsegmentation to ensure compliance and safeguard IT environments. AMD EPYC processors add another layer of protection with SEV, isolating virtual machines with memory encryption for silicon-level protection. HPE’s Silicon Root of Trust protects firmware from the boot process and continuously monitors the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), ensuring server integrity and preventing breaches​.

Management

Managing modern IT environments is simplified with Nutanix’s one-click updates and lifecycle management capabilities, which integrate seamlessly with HPE’s Service Pack for ProLiant. Nutanix Prism offers a unified management plane, enabling centralized control for clusters, applications and data. The intuitive management interface reduces complexity, empowering IT teams to handle hybrid cloud environments with ease and efficiency.

Integration

Pre-installed with Nutanix Acropolis OS (AOS), HPE ProLiant DX servers offer out-of-the-box solutions optimized for AMD EPYC processors. These systems support diverse hypervisors, including Nutanix Acropolis Hypervisor (AHV) and third-party options, giving businesses the flexibility to tailor infrastructure setups to specific needs. This collaboration ensures workload-specific performance and seamless integration across various deployment environments, helping businesses modernize without disruption.


HPE, AMD and Nutanix demonstrate the power of collaboration by offering a unified approach to modernization. By combining high performance, robust security, streamlined management and flexible integration, their solutions provide businesses with the tools they need to meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s demands. Collectively, they simplify the journey to modernization, proving that they truly are better together.


Discover how HPE, AMD and Nutanix are better together in delivering powerful, secure and scalable solutions for modern enterprises. Watch our webinar, “Modernize Your Infrastructure with HPE & Nutanix – Powered by AMD,” to explore cutting-edge innovations and actionable strategies that transform IT environments.


Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including HPE, AMD and Nutanix, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.