Feds will shut down 800 computer centers by 2015; Social network background may be job seekers' next hurdle

Wireline news from across the Web:

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> The U.S. federal government is going to shut down about 800 computer centers by 2015 to slim down its bloated technology budget and leverage more cloud-based computing models to deliver data and provide services. Article

> The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) has appointed former FCC, CTIA executive K. Dane Snowden as its new chief of staff. Article

> Former Avaya CFO Garry McGuire joins Earthlink's Board of Directors. Release

> AT&T is employing BigBand Networks' Media Services Platform (MSP) for local ad insertion. Article

> Finley Engineering has appointed Greg Johnson to head up its IP Services practice, which supports the building and operation of smart IP-enabled communications networks. Release

> The United Arab Emirates' two main service providers--Etisalat and Du--have begun wireline network sharing with plans to make it available throughout UAE by the end of 2011. Article

And finally ... Job applicants may now have to pass a social media background check, a concept driven by startup Social Intelligence. Article