IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

The most digitally advanced state governments have been singled out in the 2004 Digital States Survey, and Indiana is among the nation's best. Indiana was ranked fourth in the study, which examines best practices, policies and progress made by state governments to streamline operations and better serve citizens and businesses through the effective use of technology. "Our state agencies have worked hard in recent years to move state government toward the digital age, and the result is more efficiency and better service for our citizens," said Governor Joe Kernan. "Hoosiers now can conduct business with the state -- from renewing driver's licenses and filling out permits to applying for professional licenses and reserving campsites -- all online."

The sixth Digital States Survey assessed state government technology achievement in four broad areas -- service delivery, architecture and infrastructure, collaboration, and leadership. In March 2004, all state governors and chief information officers were invited to participate in the survey, and more than 60 unique measurements were used to determine the final rankings. The study is compiled by the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government.

"Indiana is fortunate to have CIO Laura Larimer and a fabulous team of technology leaders," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. "It has been very impressive to watch this state steadily climb in the rankings to the number four spot. They have been completely committed to making this vision happen. My hat is off to Governor Kernan and his able staff for placing so high."

The Indiana portal continues to be one of the nation's most honored official Web sites. In 2003, accessIndiana was ranked third in the nation by the Brown University eGovernment Survey and was also ranked third in the 2003 Best of the Web competition for state government Web site excellence. The state was also ranked eighth overall in the 2002 Digital States Survey.

"The 2004 Digital States Survey recognizes Indiana's leadership in providing innovative customer services that allow Hoosiers to interact digitally with the state," said Laura Larimer, Indiana's chief information officer. "We also owe our ranking to the many good people from across state government who ensure accessible and efficient information technology."

Indiana offers more than 200 interactive government services through its official state Web site at www.IN.gov. accessIndiana supports more than 30 million visitor accesses per month and processed over four million transactions in 2003. To maximize taxpayer return on investment, Indiana uses a self-funded solution to provide eGovernment services at no upfront cost to taxpayers. The state's official Web site is managed by Indiana Interactive, an Indianapolis-based subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (Nasdaq:EGOV).

"NIC congratulates Indiana for its achievement in the 2004 Digital States Survey," said Harry Herington, NIC's Chief Operating Officer. "Improving business and citizen services and streamlining government operations are at the heart of the Digital States Survey, and Indiana continues to leverage technology to get results in a cost-effective manner. We are honored to help Indiana deliver essential eGovernment portal services through the self-funded model."

Earlier this week, the top ten digital states were honored at a ceremony in Seattle in conjunction with the National Governors Association annual meeting.

About accessIndiana

accessIndiana is the official Web portal for the state of Indiana (www.IN.gov). accessIndiana's services are developed and maintained by Indiana Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC.

Quelle: Business Wire, 22.07.2004