A national research and advisory institute on information technology policies
and best practices in state and local government
The Digital States Survey, conducted biannually in even years, is a comprehensive study that examines best practices, policies and progress made by state governments in their use of digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations. The survey is conducted approximately April - June (2010, 2012, etc.). The awards are presented during the National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) annual conference each September.
The top 25 most tech-savvy states in the nation have been announced as a result of the Center's 2008 Digital States Survey, a comprehensive biannual review of digital solutions and best practices among state governments.
State chief information officers and senior executives from across the nation participated in the survey which benchmarks progression in digital government. It covered a wide range of areas from infrastructure to online applications and new Web 2.0 technologies provided to citizens. This year's survey also included a first-in-nation measure of sustainability efforts, especially in the area of green IT.
2008 Digital States Survey Top 25
1st Utah
2nd Michigan
3rd Virginia
4th Arizona
5th California
6th Washington
7th Kentucky
8th South Dakota
9th Maryland
10th Tennessee (tie)
10th Pennsylvania (tie)
11th Kansas
12th Arkansas
13th Georgia
14th Maine
15th New Jersey
16th Mississippi
17th North Dakota
18th New York (tie)
18th Nebraska (tie)
19th Minnesota
20th Massachusetts
21st Wisconsin (tie)
21st Louisiana (tie)
22nd North Carolina
23rd Colorado
24th Missouri
25th Alabama
Cathilea Robinett, executive vice president of the Center, said, "Since our inaugural survey in 1997, we've seen a steady advance in the quality of technology solutions implemented by state governments for their citizens. The bar is constantly being raised by public sector technology leaders creating topnotch services. This year's list represents the very best of many outstanding states."
The exclusive sponsor of this year's survey was Verizon Business.
"We tip our hat to states across the nation that are deploying new technologies and advanced services. As the lines between voice, video and data converge, visionary state leaders are redefining the business of government,'' said Alex Coleman, group president for Verizon Business government and education markets. "As more and more states are deploying advanced services they are realizing a real benefit for those who live and work in their states.''
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), operates the world's most connected public IP network and uses its industry-leading global-network capabilities to offer large-business and government customers an unmatched combination of security, reliability and speed. The company integrates advanced IP communications and information technology (IT) products and services to deliver leading enterprise solutions including managed services, security, mobility, collaboration and professional services. These solutions power innovation and enable the company's customers to do business better. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.