Utah Ahead of the Pack in Online Government Leadership; www.Utah.gov Singled Out in Two Different IT Studies for eGovernment Excellence

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 17, 2004--World class skiing, incredible national parks, large families, an affinity for green Jell-O -- these are the things most often associated with Utah.

But with the release of two reports from a leading technology think tank, this list expands to include IT innovation. While not commonly associated with technology (at least not by ski bums), Utah is actually ahead of the pack, especially when it comes to providing Web-based services that simplify how citizens and businesses interact with state government.

“We recognized Utah.gov in both studies for its exceptional management, functionality, and affordability. It's a big success story.”

Recognized as "Best in Breed" and as a "Successful Public-Private Partnership," Utah's official Web site, www.Utah.gov, has raised the bar nationwide.

The Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology in government and education, sponsored the two studies. The "2003 Best of the Web, Best in Breed Report" highlights the strategies and practices employed by the winners of the 2003 Best of the Web contest. The second study, "Essential Partnerships: A Guide to the Successful Creation of Public-Private Partnerships," examines the relationships between government entities and their IT suppliers.

"The goal of our research is to uncover what government entities are doing successfully in the realm of technology," said Cathilea Robinett, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government. "We recognized Utah.gov in both studies for its exceptional management, functionality, and affordability. It's a big success story."

Named the nation's top state government Web site in the 2003 Best of the Web competition, Utah.gov epitomizes the best in its breed by combining innovative technology with first-rate customer service. Revamped and redesigned last year, Utah.gov uses XML, the standard language for displaying data on the Web, to effectively manage content on its home page. Utah's portal is also the first state in the nation to offer around-the-clock support by phone, e-mail, or live chat. Additionally, Utah.gov uses Web services for many of its interactive applications. Web services are individual functions that, when stitched together, can create enterprise-level applications, such as Utah.gov's OneStop Business Registration, which combines federal, state, and local processes into a single, easy-to-use online service.

At the close of 2003, Utah.gov boasted more than 100 interactive applications, hosted 76,000 unique page visits a day, and processed an average of 183,000 online transactions a month.

"We went for broke last year," said Utah CIO Val Oveson. "Former governor Mike Leavitt and I wanted a portal that would transform the way the state interacts with its citizens. We wanted a portal that was 24/7, high tech, and now. Utah.gov delivered."

How does a state portal meet such lofty goals? Good leadership and management. According to the Center for Digital Government's report on public-private partnerships, Utah.gov has both in spades.

A collaborative effort between the state of Utah and Salt Lake City-based Utah Interactive, Utah.gov capitalizes on its public and private resources to provide the best service available. Utah Interactive offers the state Web development and hosting, technical support, project management, and a flexible funding model that develops and enhances online government services at a minimal cost. These last two are critical.

The Center for Digital Government's report emphasizes the role of project management not only in producing a good product but also in keeping costs in check. And, as Oveson points out, "It's no secret that state budgets are tight, but Utah Interactive has been a very accommodating partner to work with during this time of belt tightening."

Tight belt and all, Utah is officially an IT leader.

About Utah.gov

Utah.gov, the state of Utah's official Web portal (www.Utah.gov), is a collaborative effort between the state of Utah and Utah Interactive, LLC. It was built and is marketed, operated, and maintained by Utah Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (Nasdaq:EGOV).

About NIC

NIC manages more eGovernment services than any provider in the world. The company helps government communicate more effectively with citizens and businesses by putting essential services online. NIC provides eGovernment solutions for 1,400 state and local agencies that serve more than 48 million people in the United States. Additional information is available at www.nicusa.com.