Michigan Releases Strategic Plan for Technology

Photo: Michigan CIO Ken Theis

The Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) released its 2008 strategic plan today, laying out the future vision for technology in Michigan government. Titled: From Vision to Action (2008-2012), the strategic plan for technology is centered on six goals that take Michigan beyond the realm of consolidation and into shared services and collaboration.

"This 2008 iteration of Michigan's strategic plan for information technology builds on all that we have learned in the past and enhances our vision for the future," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "It lays out how technology will enable us to build a better state government and fulfill our priority areas: jobs, education, communities, health care and better government."

The six goals of the plan include:

• Goal 1: Access -- Expanding Michigan's services to reach citizens and businesses anytime, anywhere
• Goal 2: Service -- Delivering efficient and effective technology services and shared solutions to government agencies
• Goal 3: Management and Infrastructure -- Improving operations, security, and reliability through statewide solutions and universal standards
• Goal 4: Great Workplace -- Supporting a high-performance workforce
• Goal 5: Cross-boundary Solutions -- Fostering partnerships across and beyond state government
• Goal 6: Innovation and Transformation -- Driving innovation processes and technologies to transform Michigan's government service

"The future is exciting and will bring greater partnerships with other state agencies as well as local government and private partners across Michigan, combining resources and transforming government service," said Ken Theis, director of MDIT and CIO for the state of Michigan. "We will bridge the traditional boundaries between governments, expanding services to rural areas that are currently underserved and unveiling new online services that will make it even easier for citizens to get what they need from government."

The state consolidated all of its technology functions into one department in 2002, positioning the state as one of the few in the country with a centralized approach to technology. From 2002 to 2007, the state's technology was focused heavily on the consolidation of data centers, standardizing e-mail systems, centralizing technology purchases, and creating a standardized technology environment. This plan takes technology in Michigan to greater heights, said the state in a release.

"This plan really takes us to the next level," added Theis. "We've had tremendous victories and efficiencies as a result of our efforts around consolidation and standardization, and now we are positioned perfectly to share services and enhance collaboration with partners outside the world of state government."