Shared Technical Architecture’s Role within the ECIO Organization

“Arkansas Shared Technical Architecture”

Executive CIO responsibilities pertaining to Shared Technical Architecture

ECIO has the authority to define IT standards, policies and procedures to manage the information resources within the state.

This is accomplished through the Arkansas Shared Technical Architecture. – Shared Technical Architecture Team directs the

formulation and publication of policies, standards, specifications, and guidelines for IT in the state. Act 1042-Section 4-a(2)(A) & a(2)(B)

What is a shared technical architecture?

A shared technical architecture is policies, standards, and best practices that have been agreed on, publicized and periodically reviewed by domain working groups.

Domain working groups represent a cross-section of state, legislative and judicial agencies, institutions of higher education, as well as the Information Network of Arkansas.

Shared Technical Architecture Program has existed for 5 years

A component of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) which was charged with creating standards to facilitate electronic access to government information and enable interoperability.

Current Examples

Information Architecture set standards for preservation, protection and disposition of electronic records for state agencies;

Accessibility Architecture set standards for hardware, application development and web design to comply with state accessibility laws.

Current Examples (continued)

Network Architecture group has reviewed the trouble areas on the state network and drafted network requirements for agencies which would aid in reducing these trouble areas.

Video Network Architecture is providing a framework for how agencies will deploy video conferencing technology that is compatible with Arkansas video network system.

Current Examples (continued)

Data Architecture group is finalizing standardizing data throughout state government. Benefits of data standardization include: – Information sharing across agency

boundaries– Enterprise system interoperability– Reduces redundant data

Current Examples (continued)

Desktop Operating System & Application Suite Architecture has recently delivered the following:– Software License Management Guidelines

(supporting the Governor’s Software Piracy Proclamation);

– Recommendations for Upgrading Desktop Operating System and Application Software;

– Considerations for Implementing Alternative Desktop OS and Application Suites;

Current Examples (continued)

Security Architecture:- Created the State Agency Security Policy Guidelines

which contain minimum requirements concerning IT security measures

– Actively creating security policies through the larger security working group as well as in the three smaller working groups

Public Key Infrastructure working group Business Continuity working group Disaster Recovery working group

Current Examples (continued)

Application Architecture:– Incorporating existing application development

standards created in the security and accessibility working groups

– Identifying application development best practices

Project Management Architecture

Process for Agency Contribution to Technical Policy and Standards

A policy has been recently drafted that defines the process to facilitate state agency participation in the development of IT policies, standards and best practices.

Present the plan (policy) to the Governor and to the General Assembly. Act 1042-Section 4-a(3);

The IT architecture domain working groups represent a cross-section of state agencies

Issues of Compliance with Enterprise Architecture

Agency IT projects will be evaluated on the basis of the ROI of the project, the value-added services, and the compatibility with state Shared Technical Architecture. Act 1042-Section 5-e(2) & e(3)

Issues of Compliance with Enterprise Architecture

In the event a state agency proposes an information technology project which does not comply with the state shared technical architecture:– Submit concerns related to noncompliance to the

ECIO, who shall seek review and advice of the CIO Council [Act 1722-Section 17-f(1) & f(2) – amending Act 1042-Section 4-f(1) and f(2)]

A policy related to compliance with State’s Shared Architecture is currently in being developed.

Arkansas’ Approach to the Portfolio Management Model

Based on the Washington State portfolio management model Links IT investments to business plans Facilitates IT investment risk analysis Provides for agency and statewide technology reporting Promotes technology integration and interoperability Compiles information about each agency’s IT investment

portfolio from biennial plans

Act 1042 Web Page http://www.cio.state.ar.us/Legislation/Legis_status.htm