"Since we are the Technology Services Board, I think it's entirely appropriate that we use some of the newer technology that provides both efficiencies and effectiveness" -- P.K.Agarwal

On March 29, as part of a pilot project, the California Department of Technology Services recorded its board meeting on a new Granicus technology system. Because the state is practicing what it preaches with regard to open government, the entire meeting is in an indexed video archive, with the accompanying agenda, so the public can jump to any agenda item and see and hear what happened. In addition, the meeting is also available in mp3 audio format.

Director of DTS P.K. Agarwal introduced the new feature during the meeting, saying that "since we are the Technology Services Board, I think it's entirely appropriate that we use some of the newer technology that provides both efficiencies and effectiveness." The Granicus, system, said Agarwal, has some useful features. "Instead of having a videostream like a VCR ... will be more like a DVD so you can see specific chapters."

State CIO Clark Kelso said it's a better approach to keeping "dull dry minutes." Kelso then went on to discuss progress on the state's IT Strategic Plan, under the six goals of the plan, saying the governor had just announced the new California Business Portal and a California Tax Site. The one hour 27 minute meeting is all available online, with documents, in video, transcript and podcast RSS feeds. KW