EA is the method through which the various parts of state government can take a more holistic view of the business that the state carries out every day. IT procurement is the way in which states keep their agencies supplied with the hardware, software and related services that allow them to serve citizens. By emphasizing the commonalities between the two disciplines, many benefits can result, including:
- Establishing standards for IT
- Increasing efficiency and decreasing costs and complexity through standardization
- Simplifying IT investments
- Streamlining negotiations and contract management
- Providing a blueprint for vendors
- Serving the state's vision.
"Opening the lines of communication between EA and IT procurement is a first step towards enhancing the value that states receive from their IT investments. We appreciate the insight of representatives of NASPO (the National Association of State Procurement Officials) and NASCIO's Architecture Working Group in preparing this brief," said Richard Thompson, Maine CIO and Chair of NASCIO's IT Procurement Reform Committee.