Calif. panel urges new division

California should establish a new technology division and consolidate and standardize tech platforms across state government to function effectively, said a commission appointed in February by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R).

The recommendations were among 1,200 in the four-volume California Performance Review report released earlier this month. The report cataloged a series of missteps ranging from an ability to report information and use of incompatible systems, to an ongoing lack of appreciation of technology improvements and mismanagement of high-profile contracts.

The commission predicted that its recommendations could save California $32 billion over the next five years.