State of Texas
Department of Information Resources
Leadership for Texas Government Technology

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Texas Department of Information Resources Selects NIC as New TexasOnline Partner

AUSTIN: The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) has selected Austin-based Texas NICUSA, part of the NIC family of companies, to manage TexasOnline, the state's Internet portal, under a new seven-year contract beginning July 31, 2009. TexasOnline offers more than 850 services, including driver license renewals and vital records information, to 2.4 million visitors every month and has processed more than $12 billion in transactions since inception in 2000.

Texas NICUSA will maintain current services and leverage what has been termed "the next generation" of web design and tools to the site. Through expanded use of Web 2.0 tools such as streaming videos, podcasts, and blogs and improved navigation and search features, Texas citizens will have easier access to government services.

"We are pleased that Texas NICUSA will enhance the public-private partnership that is already providing a robust group of services to Texans," said Brian Rawson, executive director of DIR and the State's Chief Technology Officer. "The exceptional track record of success, proven leadership and the legacy of innovation NIC brings to the project will strengthen the state's ability to serve citizens, and set TexasOnline apart as the most successful state web portal in the nation," he continued.

New services will include a content management system that assists state and local agencies to adapt their websites to improve customer service and a new payment processing system that supports the current system and adds additional options.

Under the new contract, the State of Texas' share of total revenue received from TexasOnline is expected to increase to an estimated $183 million over the life of the contract. Under the current contract, the State of Texas has received over $50 million through TexasOnline. Since inception, no general revenue funds have been used in the development or maintenance of TexasOnline and that successful partnership approach will continue with this new contract.

Texas NICUSA, LLC is a subsidiary of NIC, Inc., which manages eGovernment sites for 23 other states. It brings a catalog of more than 3,000 online services that can be customized to meet the specific needs of TexasOnline and the government agencies it serves.

"We are honored that the State of Texas has selected Texas NICUSA to manage and dramatically build out the TexasOnline web site and suite of services," said Harry Herington, Chief Executive Officer of NIC. "We are eager to bring next generation technologies and accelerate the deployment of new informational services that will benefit and be accessible by all Texans."

The Texas Department of information Resources promotes a shared vision for Texas that maximizes the value of the State's technology investment by identifying common areas of interest, using technology to advance agency missions, and preserving flexibility to innovate. Visit DIR at www.dir.state.tx.us.