The state also improved its eGovernment ranking from 43rd in 2003 to sixth in a survey conducted recently by Brown University.
The state agency was recognized for special achievement in Geographic Information Systems, otherwise known as GIS.
Dick Clark, the state’s chief information officer, said the GIS computer application is used by state, local and tribal governments. The application supports economic development, disaster and emergency services, and the management of natural resources, among other endeavors.
“This award exemplifies Montana’s commitment to integrate GIS into business processes at all levels of government,” said Clark. “It shows our agency’s commitment to lead that effort.”
A team of researchers at Brown University also analyzed 1,503 government sites across the country for electronic applications and found Montana’s to be complete and simple to use.
Clark attributed the high ranking to a redesign effort that resulted in a common look and feel for all agency Web sites and a newfound emphasis in providing online services.
Clark said 42 million users visit the state’s Web site each year. A visit counts only when a user stays engaged with the Web page for 30 minutes or longer.
“That means that Web site users are spending nearly 20 million hours viewing state sites,” Clark said. “This is a great example of what we can do as a state when all agencies work together in a coordinated effort.”
The Web has changed the delivery of government services and information, Clark said. Users in remote corners of Montana can participate in government and access services without leaving home.
Researchers at Brown evaluated government Web sites for the presence of various electronic features, including online publications, audio clips, video clips, privacy, digital signatures and credit card payments, among other things.
To find out more about the state’s Web-based services, call 444-2727, or visit www.mt.gov.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Martin J. Kidston
Quelle/Source: Helena Independent Record, 13.09.2006
