Steve Harris, Dell EMC Federal SVP & GM, Named to 2018 Wash100 for Driving Federal IT Modernization Through Cloud Innovation
Executive Mosaic is honored to introduce Steve Harris, senior vice president and general manager of Dell EMC‘s Federal Government Solutions, as an inductee into the 2018 edition of the Wash100 — Executive Mosaic’s annual selection of influential leaders in the government contracting arena — for driving information technology modernization through innovation in cloud products and services. This marks his third consecutive win.
In an interview with Federal News Radio posted Dec. 1, Harris said government agencies can achieve digital transformation goals by understanding the potential impact of new technologies on employees. As he put it, “Hardware runs software and software runs the world, so when we look at transforming the workforce and focusing on enhanced productivity and improved outcomes, the first thing we have to do is understand the job description. You use software to build a digital workflow that enables the government worker to execute on [his/her job].”
During the interview, Harris also highlighted Dell EMC’s new radio-frequency identification enabled geo-fencing capability. “When you roll out a mobile device, the government user will have different permissions depending on what part of the building [he/she happens] to be in. If that device exits the building, it may turn into a brick,” Harris commented. “These profile management elements are enabled and provide a lot of operational security, but also a tremendous amount of productivity.”
In November, Harris said agencies can comply with security best practices and access IT services in case of disasters by adopting on-premise and hybrid cloud platforms. These platforms can align data security offerings with application demands and integrate protection tools and services. Harris noted the government has recognized the benefits of adding cloud infrastructure, evidenced in a May executive order on improving cybersecurity, the 2017 federal IT modernization report and the Defense Department’s adoption of the cloud for enhanced network security.
Harris told MeriTalk last May that these integrated platforms will become federal spending priorities over the next three years.
To that end, Dell, Microsoft and General Dynamics secured a potential five year, $1 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force in September to build a cloud-based collaboration and unified communications platform. Dell also teamed with Science Applications International Corp. in June to integrate the former’s business intelligence software with its cloud migration services. Harris stated the partnership “is designed to help our customers realize the benefits of [the] cloud using a predictable, data-driven and automated approach.”
Harris has over 16 years of sales leadership experience at Dell, where he previously served as area vice president of the state and local government and education business.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Steve Harris and the Dell EMC Federal team for their selection to receive this award.