The Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) announced April 6 that a vendor has been chosen for a statewide cloud computing project. When implemented, Colorado agencies will have access to vital communication features like instant messaging and video conferencing. SIPA selected Denver-based Tempus Nova, a Google Enterprise solutions provider, as its vendor-partner for the Collaboration, Office Productivity and E-mail functionality (COPE) project, a press release stated. The COPE initiative will offer Google Apps, cloud computing, messaging and collaboration solutions to all eligible government entities (EGEs) throughout the state.
"This groundbreaking initiative, first announced in January 2010, has progressed quickly over the last 75 days with the release of an RFP, vendor response and evaluation, vendor presentations and contract award successfully completed," the release stated. The COPE project will offer many features and functions to EGEs like e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, collaboration, word processing, spreadsheets, data archiving and information backup in a secure environment -- all with established agreements to ensure reliable service at a fraction of what entities pay today, the release stated.
"The [Google Apps] solution will offer functionality and features that while familiar to the public, when deployed throughout government, will bring a new level of communication and collaboration between government entities, between governments and businesses, and between governments and their citizens," the release stated. The solution can be used across small and large EGEs, with no limitation of features or functionality among entities.
The Colorado General Assembly created SIPA in 2004. Its mission is to provide efficient and effective services for citizens through the use of modern business practices and innovative technology solutions. SIPA can work with EGEs, which include state agencies, municipalities, county and local governments, and school districts.
