Vivek Kundra to head Obama's technology mission

06 March 2009

President Barack Obama has named Indian-American Vivek Kundra as the federal chief technology officer, a new post created by the US administration, media reports said.

Kundra, 34, will advise the US government and its various departments on the acquisition and use of technology and ensure proper functioning of the various government networks.

Currently chief technology officer for Washington, DC, Kundra, will also be responsible for ensuring that agency' networks and systems work properly and share information while maintaining security and privacy standards.

Along with another yet-to-be-named chief technology officer, Kundra is expected to manage an estimated $70 billion budget to acquire and use new technology, the Washington Post said in a report.

Kundra, who championed the use of websites and blogs like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube as better ways for to communicate with citizens, is expected to build on the broad use of technologies, such as the web, which President Obama's campaign team used extensively during the elections.

"Vivek Kundra will bring a depth of experience in the technology arena and a commitment to lowering the cost of government operations to this position," Obama said in a statement announcing the appointment. "I have directed him to work to ensure that we are using the spirit of American innovation and the power of technology to improve performance and lower the cost of government operations," he added.