Reflection on Success
By Richard B. Thompson, Chief Information Officer
It is hard to believe it has been nearly two years since the Office of Information Technology (OIT) was formed by consolidating the IT functions of state agencies/departments, the Bureau of Information Services and the Office of the CIO. OIT management recently gathered to develop a strategic plan for the new organization for the next three years. During this session, the 2004 IT Management Plan was revisited to use as a basis for the new plan. The plan was reviewed to identify the actions that were accomplished, and what were not. Of those items that were not accomplished, a decision was made as to what actions should be carried forth into the new strategic plan.
The task of examining the IT Management Plan was enlightening in that it provided the opportunity to showcase the achievements since the goals were set. While planning, strategizing, and implementation are, indeed, important aspects of moving an organization forward, so is taking time to recognize the successes achieved along the way and the effort expended by those who achieve and maintain the goals of the IT Management Plan on a daily basis. IT staff statewide have taken on increased responsibilities while negotiating the nuances of emotionally and physically moving to new locations, positions and possibilities. Following are the collective successes achieved by our dedicated and skilled staff during the past two years:
- consolidation and collaboration of agency IT requirements into enterprise services has allowed agencies to focus on their core missions. DHCP, EPO and Enterprise Email are examples of shared successes
- a new governance model for approval of IT projects was implemented, utilizing an agency’s portfolio as a significant tool in the decision making process, as well as incorporating a statewide perspective in each decision
- enterprise oversight and review of department/agency portfolios identified opportunities for collaboration and prioritization of funding
- a new funding model has been implemented in order to support required infrastructure maintenance upgrades and development
- modernization and consolidation of technologies and services has enabled support toward analyzing total cost vs. expected benefits, thus keeping inline with strategic objectives. Leveraging of volume purchasing has led to reduced costs
- the Executive Steering Committee has been established to provide guidance to agencies and government as a whole on business requirements and setting business driven priorities that will guide the development of all collaborative efforts
- the CIO Council was created to provide direct communication and guidance from departmental AITDs to the CIO. AITDs also co-report directly to the Commissioner of their respective agencies and the state Chief Information Officer, thus developing relationships that will eliminate barriers to collaboration
- statewide IT solutions such as the Radio Network and Cell Network are fostering economic development in Maine
- evaluation of current software licensing practices and investigation of alternatives has led to furthering a "best practices" atmosphere.
Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for your part in making the above a reality.
