Work Begins on State IT Roadmap

Chief information officers (CIOs) from state agencies came together during a half-day workshop in November 2011 to develop a roadmap for the use of technology in state government over the next three to five years. Almost 30 CIOs participated in identifying key focus areas for the state's IT roadmap.

The workshop included an overview of the state's current technology environment and its challenges, breakout sessions led by agency CIOs, and a discussion and feedback session to set priorities for future activities. Helping to plan and facilitate the workshop was a CIO working team that included John Barmann (DOAS), Charles Fleming (GRTA), John Martin (DNR), Tony Mazza (P&P), William Rutherford (DCA), and Terry Wolf (OPB).

While the Georgia Technology Authority is coordinating work on the IT roadmap, agencies are making the decisions about priorities and direction, all aimed at building a shared vision for state IT. Working together helps to ensure that technology supports the business operations of all state agencies and the valuable services communities and citizens need from their state government.

CIOs who attended the workshop represented agencies receiving their IT infrastructure services through the Georgia Enterprise Technology Services (GETS) Program and those that do not. It became clear that whether an agency is inside or outside GETS, all are struggling with common problems, especially budget cuts and maintaining day-to-day operations. Collaboration among agencies offers a better chance of solving these problems.