Governor Sonny Perdue announced today a plan to transform Georgia's government information technology (IT) infrastructure. The plan will strengthen the state's operations by consolidating IT functions, with the Georgia Technology Authority managing private sector contracts to keep the state's infrastructure updated and secure.

"I am taking action now to bring about an integrated IT infrastructure that is secure, stable and well-governed," Perdue said. "Maintaining the status quo is not an option."

A comprehensive assessment of state IT services confirmed the need for major change. According to the assessment, the state has an aging IT infrastructure and faces challenges in meeting industry standards and providing appropriate levels of security and disaster recovery. The state's problems create serious risk in providing critical services to more than nine million Georgians.

"Technology is the underpinning for a well-run, modern day enterprise," Perdue said. "My vision is for Georgia to lead the nation's state governments in IT enterprise management and the innovative use of technology."

Perdue's plan calls for consolidating IT infrastructure under a restructured Georgia Technology Authority. It will begin with 11 agencies that represent over two-thirds of the IT spending of the executive branch. According to GTA's annual technology expenditure report, the executive branch spends $617 million each year on information technology. IT services will be provided through multiple contracts, which will be bid competitively and awarded late next year. The plan enables the state to continually invest in IT without requiring additional appropriations.