Rhode Island Creates New Information Technology Division

Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at upgrading the state's information technology capabilities.

Currently the state is woefully behind the curve in terms of efficiency and expertise. Information technology functions are scattered among individual agencies resulting in a hodgepodge of applications, networks and platforms.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that our capabilities are of the 1980s vintage rather than the cutting-edge, 21st-century caliber that we ought to have," reported Carcieri. "Again, these are serious deficiencies that must be resolved immediately."

The terms of the executive order call for the creation of an Information Technology Division within the Department of Administration -- reporting to Director Beverly Najarian -- which would centralize the management of dozens of consultants, hundreds of computer applications, 250 servers, 280 employees as well as the operation of more than 8,000 desktop computers. Consolidating and standardizing the state's information technology functions is expected to generate annual taxpayer savings of more than $6.3 million.

The Information Technology Division, which will be led by Chief Information Officer Tom Collins, will be responsible for oversight, coordination and development of all IT staff and resources within the executive branch of government. Specifically the division will standardize the state's ongoing investments in software, networks and services. "Our strategy is to reduce costs and improve the way we manage this critical function," said Collins.