Report: Business lurks in changing state CIO leadership

Systems integrators will find a major business opportunity next year helping states achieve centralized IT management as their budget crisis continues, according to the market research firm Input Inc. of Chantilly, Va.

"A common thread we're observing in state governments is a renewed focus on cutting costs through the use of shared, enterprisewide technology," said Suzy Haleen, Input's state and local analyst.

Systems integrators can help states make a successful transition to new leadership next year by offering their consulting, resources and technological knowledge to state CIOs, Input said.

In the past few years, the role of the CIO in several states has evolved into a position of champion for technology in the state government, Input said. In this capacity, the CIO encourages coordination among agencies and stresses efficiency through a more central role in IT management.

The recent efforts of CIOs in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia follow this pattern.

In doing so, integrators "need to appreciate the needs and infrastructure of the state organizations as well as their plans for IT management," Haleen said.

The findings and opinions are in the company's December report, "Assessing the Impact of Changing State Leadership."