Gartner Says IT Solutions for Homeland Security Need More Political Clout.

Business Editors

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2003

Gartner Analysts to Discuss Homeland Security at Gartner IT

Security Summit, June 2-4 in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has started funding local efforts to protect infrastructure, but little money will go for needed technology innovation, according to Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT and ITB).

Government IT leaders and vendors must cooperate to gain power and needed funding.

"Government agencies and IT security vendors should face the cold reality that the DHS has earmarked only a sliver of money for technology projects-$10 million out of $700 million awarded in this round of grants," said John Kost, managing vice president for Gartner. "Just when governments face massive budget deficits, the threat of terrorism has increased law enforcement payrolls dramatically. The vast majority of this money from the DHS will be spent on supporting increased payrolls rather than on innovative technologies to enhance homeland security."

Budget directors have room for creativity when spending the grants because the DHS recognizes that local law enforcement knows best how to protect local critical infrastructure. However, the DHS will have to take unusual measures to hold grantees accountable for use of this money to make sure it isn't used for normal payrolls, according to Gartner.

"Technology has proven it can strengthen homeland security and the need is strong, but technology leaders and vendors lack the needed political clout relative to law enforcement," said Kost. "Improving homeland security will depend in part on whether the leaders in various jurisdictions let their technology teams be creative, not just their budget directors."

Gartner advises that local IT leaders and vendors targeting the government sector should collaborate to build credibility and political clout to make technical solutions at least as compelling to decision makers as supporting payrolls.

Also, state and local governments seeking grants for homeland security IT projects should pursue funding through the Office of Justice Programs, according to Gartner.

Gartner analysts will provide further information on technology and homeland security at Gartner IT Security Summit, June 2-4, 2003, in Washington, D.C., at the Washington Hilton.

The three-day summit will explore critical issues, best practices and case studies through panel discussions with top experts from the private and public sectors. Also included will be breakout sessions tailored to the critical infrastructure sectors such as transportation; energy, utilities and water; banking and financial services; telecommunications and information services; and vital health, safety and emergency services.

For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.gartner.com/us/itsecurity or contact Ashley Pearce at 203 316-6757 or at [e-mail]. Press can register by contacting Allison Haines at 203 316-6216 or [e-mail]

About Gartner

Gartner, Inc. is a research and advisory firm that helps more than 10,000 clients leverage technology to achieve business success. Gartner's businesses are Research, Consulting, Measurement, Events and Executive Programs. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., and has more than 3,800 associates, including approximately 1,000 research analysts and consultants, in more than 75 locations worldwide. Revenue for calendar year 2002 totaled $888 million. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.