Connecticut Web portal to undergo major modernization
Connecticut leaders gave more insight into the state’s agreement with NIC Inc. and how the company will help reform the state’s primary Web portal, ct.gov.
Gov. Dannel Malloy said Monday the new agreement will allow the state’s website to undergo a major modernization process that will increase usability, customer service, transparency and access for its visitors.
“The state’s official website was created almost 20 years ago,” Malloy said. “Since that time, many best practices have been established and new technologies that dramatically increase usability have been created. By utilizing this self-funded plan, we are going to modernize the way state government interacts with its citizens and put a process in place that will ensure the state’s online presence continues to keep up with technological advances.”
The ct.gov homepage – redesigned to function on computers, tablets and mobile devices – will be streamlined and organized toward specific users’ needs.
The plan is to modify each state agency’s website by creating new interactive services previously unavailable on the state’s portal.
With this innovation, Connecticut residents may soon be able to use the portal for a number of possibilities, such as submitting a smartphone picture to document an unsafe condition, taking a mobile practice driver’s license exam, applying for a fishing license, finding the nearest government office or polling place, renewing a business license, or even quickly accessing needed information from government databases.
The possibilities include any interaction a member of the public may have with any state office.
Mark Raymond, the state’s chief information officer, said, “This agreement increases our focus on the businesses and citizens of the state, making it possible to conveniently do business with the state on whatever device you have and at whatever time of day you wish.”
Launch of the project will occur in stages throughout the year, with the Business Portal being a top priority.
“The business portal will be a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate resource for companies, site selectors, economic development professionals and anyone else interested in doing business in Connecticut,” said Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Catherine Smith. “Our primary focus will be to design the portal from the perspective of the user. We want visitors to find what they need, even if they are not exactly sure what they are looking for.”
NIC is the nation’s leading provider of official government websites, online services, and secure payment processing solutions. It has successfully provided services to over 30 states in the nation, including Maryland, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maine and Utah. The company will open an office in Hartford and expects to hire 10 to 12 technology, marketing, and project management professionals with many coming from the local market.
