Illinois Saves Nearly $10.8 M through Innovative Information Technology

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) today announced it has received the National Association of Chief Information Officers' (NASCIO) 2010 Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology in State Government, in the category of Improving State Operations.  The State was recognized for providing cost-effective services to citizens and public officials, and for making available solutions that are transferable to other agencies or units of government.  The project has resulted in a savings to the state of nearly $10.8 million in reduced space costs and increased efficiencies between July 2006 and May 2010.

"Illinois has been able to realize significant financial and operational benefits from our data center consolidation and virtualization project by reducing our data center footprint, and implementing more modern technologies," said State of Illinois Chief Information Officer Greg Wass.  "We are honored with this prestigious award and will continue to harness innovative IT solutions that meet state agency and taxpayer needs, while promoting efficiency in government operations."

To help promote greater operational efficiency and reduce costs, CMS's Bureau of Communication and Computer Services (BCCS) conducted an analysis to determine several potential areas of cost savings and efficiencies.  BCCS specifically examined duplicate efforts throughout multiple state agencies that could be eliminated.  Data center operation and server management were identified as areas for significant potential savings by sharing and consolidating IT services.

"The success of this project and NASCIO's recognition not only validate our efforts, but also underscore our commitment to reducing our environmental impact through greater space and resource optimization," said CMS Director James P. Sledge.  "We are proud to help agencies serve the people of Illinois efficiently and cost-effectively."

Illinois' Data Center Server Consolidation and Virtualization Project was awarded among ten exemplary IT projects across the U.S. in September during NASCIO's Annual Conference and 22nd consecutive awards ceremony.  The Awards Committee, comprising NASCIO's state and corporate members, selected the 2010 award finalists.  Full submissions from all 130 nominations are posted on NASCIO's website at www.nascio.org/awards.