The 2006 Best of the Web competition was conducted by the Center for Digital Government, an international research and advisory institute on the use of information technology in government. Now in its tenth year, Best of the Web evaluates government Web sites based on their innovation, Web-based delivery of public services, efficiency, economy, and functionality.
Earlier this year, the Department of Technology Services unveiled a new Web site with a dramatic, Utah-inspired design that provides government information and services most sought after by citizens and businesses. With more than 400 online services from 55 different agencies, Utah.gov can be an overwhelming place. Thanks to the new keyword-based online services search, citizens can quickly and conveniently locate the service they need most.
In addition to being able to locate services more quickly, users now have easier access to vital content: links to information about emergency preparedness as well as state news feeds are right on the home page. Those who need a little extra guidance with the new site can find assistance at the award-winning Help Center, which provides various types of technical and customer support, including 24/7 Live Chat.
The Center for Digital Government agrees that Utah’s new site effectively and efficiently meets its customers’ needs. “Government Web sites have truly become the citizen gateway to services as sites become more robust and easier to navigate,” said Cathilea Robinett, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government. “Utah has an elegant and highly functional site that sets the bar for the rest of the nation.”
Representatives from the Center for Digital Government and officials from the 2005 Best of the Web-winning state and local governments in Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Hennepin County, Minnesota, served as judges for the 2006 Best of the Web contest.
Utah’s official state Web site continues to be among the most honored government portals in the nation. Earlier this year, Utah.gov was listed among the top five state government Web sites for the third consecutive year in Brown University’s annual survey of state and federal Web sites. The portal also received a first place ranking in the 2006 Government Customer Support Excellence Awards.
“We congratulate our partners in Utah for their ongoing commitment to delivering valuable eGovernment services in a clear and straightforward manner,” said Harry Herington, President of NIC.
About Utah.gov
Utah.gov is the state of Utah’s official Web portal (www.Utah.gov) and was ranked first in the nation in Brown University’s 2005 survey of state and federal Web sites and won first place in the Center for Digital Government’s 2003 Best of the Web competition. The portal is a collaborative effort between the state of Utah and Utah Interactive, LLC. It was built and is marketed, operated, and maintained by Utah Interactive, a Salt Lake City-based wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (NASDAQ: EGOV).
Autor(en)/Author(s): Hope Miller
Quelle/Source: Business Wire, 05.10.2006
