Get to know the office of the Chief Information Officer

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

I want to highlight the work done by the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) on behalf of state government.

This agency is responsible for deploying technology that helps state agencies take advantage of premier information technology (IT), communications and online services. Their work requires close collaboration with all agencies of state government, the University of Nebraska and other educational organizations, and technology providers across Nebraska.

Lead by CIO Brenda Decker, the office puts a priority on providing more efficient and effective delivery of services and expanding citizen access to government. Several projects have delivered on those goals.

The Office of the CIO developed a plan to build a new wireless radio network for the Nebraska State Patrol, the State Fire Marshal and other law enforcement personnel that could be used by other state agencies and integrated with regional radio networks to provide interoperable communications among state and local first responders. The technology used in the project has improved clarity, virtually eliminated dead spots and allows for the transmission of voice and data to help share information with other first responders. Coordinated by the Office of the CIO, the network will ultimately involve nearly a dozen state agencies and other partners.

The office has provided real-time unprecedented access to events at the State Capitol via a web streaming project involving all three branches of state government. Events available via web streaming range from cases argued before the Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, testimony before legislative committees and debate on the floor of the unicameral, and announcements from my office.

The State Capitol web streaming feature is available by going to the state website, Nebraska.gov, and clicking on the 'Capitol Live' link found in the top right corner.

The Office of the CIO has addressed a host of other technology challenges such as developing a single email system for state government to reduce duplication, boost efficiency and create cost savings for state agencies.

The office coordinated development of Network Nebraska, a technology backbone that has proven to be a beneficial way to eliminate duplication of network services and expand access to Internet bandwidth at much lower costs. Network Nebraska has expanded to include components designed to support for education and local communities with distance education and telecommunications options. It also serves as a vehicle for eHealth and telehealth initiatives that benefit Nebraskans.

In addition to developing new technology projects, the Office of the CIO oversees a wide range of communications options, including: conference calls, video conferencing and wireless services. CIO staff maintains servers, computer work stations and other equipment, and an operations team works around the clock to ensure the security of data systems used by state agencies and to ensure the availability of more than 200 online services accessible via Nebraska.gov.

New technology has provided opportunities to better serve Nebraskans and protect the information maintained by state agencies. The Office of the Chief Information Officer plays an integral role in both endeavors while helping create an efficient, effective and responsive state government.