FEBRUARY 1, 2007

Digital network partnership brings fun,
educational messages to SOS customers

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that a cutting-edge digital video network will provide customers in most branch offices with educational and entertaining messages at no cost to taxpayers.

A collaborative effort with Digital 10 Network of Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills-based Odado Group enables the Department of State to share customized, full-motion video messages on large-screen plasma monitors in more than 100 offices. The system also gives the department a technologically advanced way to communicate with branch employees. Digital 10 pays for the equipment and network maintenance under a competitively bid five-year state contract.

"Effectively communicating with customers and employees is essential to providing high-quality service," Land said. "Reaching millions of visitors with engaging, informative programming helps us to meet that goal. This public-private initiative lets the department stretch its dollars as well, making internal training more efficient by reducing the need for multiple sessions and employee travel costs. We're pleased to put technology to work for Michigan taxpayers in a manner that respects the state's limited resources."

The department can reinforce and expand its public outreach by airing useful messages ranging from traffic safety to organ donation. Others can purchase advertising time from Digital 10.

The network has other benefits, too. It offers an efficient, cost-free way to conduct department training with branch employees, and makes it easier to internally share information on department objectives and initiatives. The system can broadcast to all locations simultaneously or send specific messages to individual offices.

A successful pilot program in 2005 demonstrated the network's ability to help the department meet its customer service goals. Now that a contract has been awarded, completion of the project is expected in June.

RELATED LINK
> A list of offices that have or will receive the monitors