We're just beginning to see the massive impact that technology is having on the aftermath of the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti last week.

Although there has been confusion and delays in getting aid to the devastated country and its people, the United States is reaching out in a massive effort to deliver an unprecedented level of help. That includes relying on technology to speed the delivery of essential goods, help locate U.S. citizens and provide information online about Haiti and how to donate money.

The Defense Information Systems Agency is taking a leading role in clearing the way for all of this to happen, relying on cutting edge technology to eliminate the roadblocks. It is managing global communications to help relief agencies coordinate and communicate their efforts among many other initiatives.

"DISA is providing U.S. Southern Command with information capabilities which will support our nation in quickly responding to the critical situation in Haiti," said Larry K. Huffman, DISA's Principal Director of Global Information Grid Operations in a press release.

That is just the beginning of an unprecedented response to the catastrophe.

Although help began to trickle into the country within 24 hours after the Jan. 12 earthquake, hampered by a single runway at the Port-au-Prince airport, the military took over operating the airport and set up a makeshift air control system. Relief organizations worldwide began using technology to raise money for relief and coordinate their efforts. The Obama administration used its tech prowess, as well, to get information out to the public and gather reports about missing Americans.

The White House has launched a special website to get people information about the situation. The State Department set up a special email for people seeking information about U.S. citizens in Haiti. In addition, there's an email for U.S. citizens in Haiti to email their location and condition.

Outside the federal government, the Red Cross began an unprecedented effort to raise money for Haiti by setting up a text messaging donation system where any individual could contribute $10 just by texting. By the end of weekend, it had raised more than $10 million.

Twitter and Facebook went into overdrive, as both were used by victims on the ground to let their relatives know their locations, or that they were OK.

In the federal government, agencies can ask employees for a one-time cash or check donation to Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

It may be the memories of Hurricane Katrina that wrecked the Gulf Coast in 2005 or the South Asian tsunami that caused massive death and destruction in 2004 that is bringing all these forces together to do a better humanitarian job this time around. Or it could be that technology has advanced to the point where it is in place and ready to bring search and rescue into the 21st century. - Judi