Connecticut Consolidating And Streamlining Its IT Departments

CONNECTICUT — The state is smashing down the silos in its many information technology departments.

On Wednesday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced his plan to build a new organization within state government that would centralize the coordination of the state's IT resources by the Department of Administrative Services. The realignment is expected to take a year.

The process will "bring best practices to all state agencies, provide flexibility in the cross-training of employees, and ensure there is a pool of specialized experts at the ready to serve state agencies, rather than requiring a dedicated, smaller group of IT staff to individual agencies," according to a state new release.

In the past, Connecticut operated using unique technology solutions for agencies, rather than working towards common platforms that communicate across state agencies.

"Our state employees have accomplished amazing things with technology throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and this optimization process provides the resources and support to continue our progress," Lamont said.

The new organizational structure will also afford state employees more opportunities for cross-training, promotion and advancement.

"Our state agencies have incredibly talented IT staff, and under this new model we will be able to share that talent across state agencies and ensure they have access to more deploy skilled people all at the same time," said Mark Raymond, the state's chief information officer.

A centralized team and consolidated systems will also improve the state's cybersecurity, as risks will be lower when everyone is working on fewer, more secure and updated platforms.

"This optimization is all a part of our broader efforts to modernize state government to better serve our residents,” said Josh Geballe, commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services and the state’s chief operating office.