Kentucky seeks to make technology investment decisions from an enterprise perspective and not that of a single cabinet or agency. This enterprise focus is supported through statute and the supporting structures in state government. It provides a way to ensure that the Commonwealth's limited IT resources are being utilized in the most effective manner for serving Kentucky's citizens, businesses and other constituencies.
The Commonwealth has the foundation for an enterprise approach to IT with a relatively strong shared infrastructure (e.g., enterprise architecture and standards, Kentucky Information Highway, consolidated data center, enterprise electronic mail, virus protection), but policy, planning and budgeting issues must also be resolved to address cost-effective and non-duplicating investments in IT. The governance model for IT therefore relies on numerous groups to provide Kentucky's Commissioner of Technology and Kentucky legislative bodies with particular insight.
The Commonwealth Technology Council, formed from cabinet and agency information technology officers (ITOs), assists the Commonwealth Commissioner of Technology in targeting and delivering IT resources for maximum business value for the Commonwealth. It provides comments and recommendations on policy, direction, planning and legislation; works to identify opportunities and conduct joint planning for shared services implementation, sourcing, investments, and cost recovery; and provides stewardship for other state IT programs and projects.
The Enterprise Architecture and Standards Committee (EASC) supports the enterprise perspective for governance. It defines architectural direction, maintaining IT standards, recommending revisions or new standards to the Commonwealth Commissioner of Technology, and reviewing business case exceptions from agencies. The Enterprise Architecture and Standards support the technology vision and principles of the Commonwealth's Strategic Information Technology Plan and promote migration to enterprise solutions for reduced complexity and support.
The Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee was created to address communications interoperability, a homeland security issue which is critical to the ability of public safety first responders to communicate with each other by radio. The committee advises and makes recommendations regarding strategic wireless initiatives to achieve public safety voice and data communications interoperability.
The Kentucky Geospatial Board advises the Commonwealth Commissioner of Technology on issues relating to geographic information. It establishes policies and procedures to assist state and local jurisdictions in leveraging geographic information technology for improving public administration. Its knowledgeable membership promotes awareness, training, education, and works to create partnerships for the purpose of data sharing.
The Information Technology Advisory Council (ITAC) advises the Commonwealth Commissioner of Technology on approaches to coordinating information technology solutions among libraries, schools, local governments, and other public entities. Members come from local government, education, the legislature, and include citizens and private sector representatives. It provides a forum for discussion of emerging technologies that enhance electronic accessibility to publicly funded sources of information and services. (Read more)