IT for State Executives
GTA wants to help state executives find the information they need to make a sound business case for technology improvements. Information technology is often put on the back bench, but at GTA, we know technology is critical to making state government work. We have divided various information resources into three topic areas: Technology At The Table, IT Governance and Making Outsourcing Work. I hope these reports, research papers and articles prove helpful to executives across
Patrick Moore, State Chief Information Officer and GTA Executive Director
Recent Articles and Reports
Do You Think? Or Do You Know? Improving State Government Operations Through Business Analytics (February 10, 2010)
Business analytics provides an evidence-based approach for decision making. With the current emphasis on transparency and visibility into the operations of government, leaders need to anticipate more questions and evaluation related to what decisions are being made and what rationale was applied in making those decisions. As stated in this issue brief from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), intuition alone is not adequate for evaluating alternatives and making decisions. Effective implementation of a business analytics capability will promote an enterprise-wide culture of fact-based decision making.
Five Tips for Outsourcing or Sharing IT Resources (October 28, 2009)
With the nation mired in a recession, some governments are taking another look at shared services and outsourcing arrangements, despite the potential organizational hurdles. Officials in states like Pennsylvania, which has outsourced state government IT infrastructure since the late 1990s, say these strategies can cut operational costs and free up funds for public-policy priorities. Those with firsthand experience shared their steps to success with Government Technology.
Public CIO’s Role is Shifting to Leader (October 19, 2009)
The role of today’s CIO is more about being an effective leader than a manager and technology person, and CIOs are increasingly reporting to the CEO. To be successful, they must be an enterprise executive and coach their business colleagues about the potential business uses of particular technologies. An article in Government Technology focuses on the experiences of several public CIOs in adapting to changing expectations.
Technology At The Table
IT Governance
Making Outsourcing Work
Technology At The Table
2008 Annual Study: Cost of a Data Breach (February 2009) – In its fourth annual study, The Ponemon Institute examines the costs incurred by 43 organizations after experiencing a data breach. The cost estimates for activities associated with actual incidents continue to rise. The study looks at both the financial impact on organizations and the impact on the trust and confidence of their constituents. Download the full report (PDF format).
Digital States at Risk: Modernizing Legacy Systems (December 2008, PDF format)
The National Association of State CIOs surveyed states to find out about their strategies, options and approaches to modernizing IT legacy systems and applications. Many state systems have become obsolete, difficult to secure, and costly to operate and support. According to NASCIO, without investments in legacy system renovation, modernization or replacement, the ability of states to operate as modern organizations and serve their citizens is at risk. Download the full report (PDF format).
Information Security Guide for State of
State IT Workforce: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow? (October 2007) - The aging of the public sector workforce is a well-documented trend that may significantly impact the ways in which states deliver IT services in the future. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers surveyed states to gain insight into this issue and to identify future IT workforce trends. Download the full report (PDF format).
IT Governance
IT Governance and Business Outcomes: A Shared Responsibility Between IT and Business Leadership (March 2008) – IT governance is about ensuring that state government is effectively using information technology in all its lines of business. It requires that decisions for IT investments and deployment are properly shared between business and IT functions within state government. This issue briefing by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers provides an introduction to a very broad topic. Download the full report.
Colorado Issues Statewide IT Consolidation Plan (January 2008) - In announcing Colorado's IT consolidation, Governor Bill Ritter said, “For years, the state of
Making Outsourcing Work
The Top 10 Problems With Outsourcing Implements and How to Overcome Them (April 2008) – The benefits of outsourcing come through the successful introduction and sustainment of change, a continuous commitment rather than a one-time event. In this white paper, TPI Partner Shawn McCray highlights commonly encountered problems that impede successful outsourcing implementations and undermine changes required to achieve expected results. Download the full report (PDF file).
Why Settle For Less? Deloitte Consulting 2008 Outsourcing Report - Over 300 business and IT executives were surveyed to document their experiences and uncover insights that could be applied to other outsourcing initiatives. The results affirm