US state CIOs evolving in face of IT outsourcing

US state government CIOs are adapting to an evolving technology environment, becoming brokers of technology rather than providers, new research indicates.

A report by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, Grant Thornton and CompTIA shows that data centre consolidation and outsourcing of IT functions is expanding within state government.

More than two-thirds of states now outsource at least some of their IT infrastructure operations, and the number of state owned and operated data centres continues to decline.

This is requiring state CIOs to stay on their toes to handle rapid changes in the state government IT landscape, while staying abreast of new innovations, security and privacy threats and business practices.

“The state CIO must be increasingly agile as he or she navigates the shifting IT and business landscapes, as well as citizen expectations,” commented Graeme Finley, managing director in Grant Thornton’s State and Local Public Sector practice.

But the report also finds that state governments are facing difficulty recruiting, developing and retaining IT professionals due to competition with the private sector.

The survey found that state CIOs are aiming to address this issue by emphasising non-salary benefits such as job stability and promoting working for government as an opportunity to give back to the community.

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