The Texas Transformation – Delivering Technology that Matters

Major Drivers

The State Strategic Plan Advisory Committee and representatives of the Telecommunications Planning and Oversight Council identified the major drivers that will impact the successful implementation of the objectives and strategies in this plan.

Integrating Managed Service Delivery

Individual technology infrastructure services have provided increased functionality and efficiencies, but cross-functional collaboration will take this progress to the next level. For example, the state's data center services program is using the statewide network to leverage a secure, shared network infrastructure. To facilitate the provisioning of network communications services for agencies participating in the data center services migration, the state must integrate the efforts of each of these managed services.

Transforming IT Procurement and Contracting Practices

Current IT contracting practices can be time-consuming and expensive for both the public sector and the vendor community. Simplifying complicated, compliance-driven administrative requirements would improve the state's competitive position by reducing the costs and cycle time of contracting practices and increasing business opportunities for the private sector.

Safeguarding the Technology Environment

Users of government resources expect and need safe and open access to information and services. Continued escalation of security threats and identity theft ensure that sharing sensitive data safely will remain a critical challenge for government agencies. To create and maintain secure environments, agencies must invest in education and training related to security policies, procedures, and technical security skills.

Facilitating Electronic Access to Government

Many citizens who could benefit from government services are either unaware that the services exist or have no idea how to find them. Government needs to make information available in a way that is intuitive to users, accessible to isolated communities, and available during irregular hours. For the customer's convenience, government needs to provide access to services through multiple channels, such as Internet portals, e-mail, instant messaging, telephone, and in person.

Managing within Funding, Staffing, and Regulatory Frameworks

Leveraging the state's shared services and technology infrastructure will free agencies to better serve their citizens, clients, and customers. However, government agencies face multiple challenges to fulfill their core missions: limited resources, attracting and retaining qualified personnel, and navigating a complex maze of regulatory rules and requirements.