State of New JerseyState of New Jersey

IT ConsolidationCharles S. Dawson

CTO/CIO

Current SituationCurrent Situation

• CTO directs the central IT office

• CIO directs IT statewide

– Non-cabinet position– Lack of authority to issue mandates

TrendsTrends• Greater citizen expectations for technology

– Citizens want to conduct business online, not just get information

• Increased network traffic

– Three billion transactions on our WAN, the Garden State Network

• Lower staffing levels

• Web-enabling of mainframe applications

– Must build roads ahead of traffic

ImplicationsImplications• Interstate traffic on a dirt road

– No funding to update, enhance, or expand the infrastructure

– Lack of initial investment hinders long term planning

– Need for a dedicated source to refresh technology

Root CausesRoot Causes• Lack of authority

• Lack of centralization

– No comprehensive approach

– Agencies working independently

– Higher costs

– Fewer enterprise solutions

SolutionsSolutions• Dedicated funding source

• Legislative and executive advocacy

• More leadership authority

• Executive Order Proposal

Leadership Leadership • Combine the CTO and CIO roles

– Create one ongoing position and function of State CIO

• Functions

– Oversee management and operations of NJOIT

– Establish and enforce policies, protocols, & standards

– Facilitate information and data sharing

ConsolidationConsolidation

• Limit the technologies that need to be supported– Reduction in reliance on consulting services

• Consistency in strategic planning, funding, and implementation of IT

• Consistency in application development

• Consolidation of like assets, functions, personnel– Eliminate redundancy– Avoid costs

Fiscal AuthorityFiscal Authority

• Greater control over how IT funding is used

• Ability to leverage shared assets to meet business needs– Software– Hardware– Reusable code– Development tools– Staff

Long-Term PlanningLong-Term Planning

• Establish multi-year funding requirements

• Determine migration to new technologies– Establish timeframes for maintenance and enhancement of

infrastructure– Standardize hardware/software lifecycles– Forecast demand for software licenses

• Plan for growth or reduction of IT workforce– Establish detailed workforce plan that addresses training needs

and staffing levels

Homeland SecurityHomeland Security

• Strategic Member of NJ Domestic Preparedness/Homeland Security Task Force

– Provide leadership in creating integrated information and communication technology

– Develop homeland security decision support system

IT Advisory CouncilIT Advisory Council• Replaces IT Governing Board

– Chaired by State CIO– Meets semi-annually

• Members– State Treasurer– Three public members

• Governor appointed• New Jersey-based business and IT leaders

• Provide advice on trends and innovations

• No budget, appropriation, or spending authority