The Executive Department Legal Counsel's Virtual Law Office (VLO) will be developed using open-standards and open-source components. Similar to systems utilized by large private law firms, the VLO will deliver sophisticated content management, legal case management and new reporting tools.
The contract award is expected to result in savings to the state both through more efficient management of legal services and outright ownership of the software code. Typically, state government would pay initial and ongoing licensing fees for new software.
"The new open-standards policy is resulting in fair and open competition," said Administration and Finance Secretary Eric Kriss. "Out of the gate, this policy is having a positive impact on the state's bottom line."
Four companies, two of which had never done business with the state, provided responses to the VLO Request for Response. After full compliance with state procurement law and regulations, the Operational Services Division in conjunction with the Information Technology Division awarded the contract to Praxium Consultants.
"This is an exciting and important first step toward the development of a single legal community in the Executive Branch which will increase efficiency and improve legal resource management," added Daniel B.Winslow, the governor's chief legal counsel.
Open-standard solutions enhance the level of application interoperability and reduce development and support costs. "The new policy ensures that the commonwealth is getting the best value for its IT investments," said Peter Quinn, the state's chief information officer.
