Letter From the Editors Christopher Baum 21 December 2001 This is the time of year when we reflect. This year, in particular, with recent tragic events so firmly etched in our minds, we need to take stock. As I write this, it is three months to the day since the attack on America. It is also the middle of important holidays for Christians, Jews and Muslims, and, thus, a time of hope. Certainly, it is a time of contrasts. For governments, the immediate future is cause for concern. Government revenue has fallen, and will lag behind a general economic recovery by a year. Agencies and departments are under increased pressure to show the "business benefits" of initiatives. In this environment, government managers must balance the needs of constituents, courts, legislatures and employees. However, we have some tremendous advantages that will help us face these problems.  Read more

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	Overview 2002: Government in Transition 21 December 2001 Christopher Baum Governments around the globe are facing a very different reality than they did a year ago. We predict what the next 12 months and beyond will have in store.

Predictions: Web Services in E-Government Architecture 20 December 2001 Gregg Kreizman Web services represent a standards-based approach to implementing government systems. However, the standards are evolving and must mature before implementation for G2G interactions.		Governments in 2002: Back to the Center 21 December 2001 Andrea Di Maio Despite pre-downturn trends to decentralize government responsibilities, decreasing revenue and increasing demand for security will drive fundamental changes in sourcing decisions and IT governance.
How Will We Vote in the Future? 18 December 2001 Christopher Baum The presidential election in 2000 will drive changes in the way people vote. The big winner in the short term is optical scanning.