Figure 1
IT Management in Michigan

Michigan's IT management approach incorporates people, processes and technology

Vision for the Plan

This marks Michigan's first-ever statewide information, communications and technology (ICT) plan. Why the change in focus from information technology (IT) to ICT? Simply this: It wraps in access, telecommunications and communication networks in ways that have not been incorporated previously. It also highlights the evolving roles of information, smart computing and measurement. This shift in focus is preparing the State and its partners to expand participation in this rapidly changing field that is impacting our work, our play and the economy in which we all take part.

While Michigan's ICT opportunities are transformative, they are tempered by budget and workforce constraints as well as the unknowns involved in an impending change in the administration (with the 2010 elections on the horizon). These factors have caused some to ask whether the timing is right for an update to the strategic plan. Are there too many unanswered questions? Too many unknowns? Absolutely not! This is no time for "business as usual."

Through ICT planning and action, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) is enabling government to do the right things with fewer resources. Strong partnerships and a thorough understanding of business needs are critical. Together with state agencies, citizens, businesses and other partners, we are planning, streamlining and restructuring. We have an unprecedented opportunity to transform government.

Getting the most out of ICT for Michigan means making tough decisions and taking ownership of projects at the point of initiation. Through this, we are realizing the benefits of shared services and cross-departmental and cross-boundary partnerships.

Areas of action range from health IT and mobile computing to economic development and cloud computing. We are delving into enterprise performance management (metrics and measures) to enable data-driven decision-making and enhanced transparency. We are strategically aligning the organization for real-time situational and automated analysis to solve ingrained and complex issues. We continue the aggressive modernization of legacy systems and our mantra of enabling citizens to conduct business online rather than in line.

Safe, secure and accessible networks and systems are foundational underpinnings. In our aggressive pursuit to stay one step ahead of threats, we are the first state to partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance our security posture, implementing a new service (Einstein) and using technology to analyze Internet traffic and proactively detect malicious activity.

This ICT strategic plan is essential in keeping us moving forward together. We look forward to working with you-today and for years to come-to bring these plans to fruition.