Customer relationship management has emerged as a top priority for state chief information officers, according to recent data from NASCIO.

Among the 19 states recognized are shared-services cybersecurity programs operating in Iowa and Texas, where officials say systems are becoming more secure.

The legislation would open new cybersecurity tools, training and grants to state IT offices while boosting engagement with federal authorities.

In its latest publication, NASCIO outlines strategic "plays" top state IT officials can make to sustain a new operating model.

Chief privacy officers need proper authority, positioning and funding to be most effective, the group's researchers found.

A new survey shows most states are using old IT governance models at a time CIOs need to be focused on managing relationships and services instead of being technical administrators.

The group says slowly making progress on the multi-year effort to simplify the rules state IT offices must comply with.

Commentary: North Carolina's former state chief information officer, Chris Estes, says the CIO role is a big job, but tells incoming officials they are not alone.

State IT procurement has long been frustrating for both sides, but industry associations are trying to smooth things over.