Nov 29, 2006 -- Folsom, CA- ¬Digital Communities is the first-of-its-kind program to provide a forum for community decision-makers to learn more about IT providers' best-of-breed solutions, making it easier for local governments to address their technology needs. While a growing number of communities are using innovative technologies to enhance safety and security, citizen satisfaction and economic vitality, the process of understanding which solutions to deploy is often cumbersome, and confusing.
"Extensive research confirmed that community leaders needed a solution offering and destination site where they could get their arms around emerging trends and innovative technology usage. The Digital Communities program and our newly expanded Digital Communities online destination, www.govtech.net/digitalcommunities, were developed to address that need," said Don Pearson, Group Publisher of Government Technology.
Building on its initial success and feedback from government users, Government Technology has joined forces with 12 (to-date) leading technology companies, including Intel, Panasonic, Accela, Cisco, CDWG, Nortel, IBM, Iron Horse Ventures, Sybase, PacStar, Simdesk, HP, AirVisual, iPass and Intermec to provide complete end-to-end solutions consisting of application, computing and networking products. Each Starter Kit offers a turnkey package to meet specific municipal needs -- such as Video Mobility, Mobile Inspections, or Disaster Communications and Operations Management (DCOM). The market has quickly validated the need for Digital Communities' solution offerings which already has dozens of deployments completed and more in process.
"The Digital Communities initiative has been a major benefit to Panasonic and our Toughbook customers, providing a means for state and local decision-makers to gain a holistic perspective on the applications, wireless infrastructure and reliable computing devices critical to an effective solutions-based approach to mobility," said Joe Martin, Public Sector Business Development Manager, Panasonic.
Launched in 2005, the Digital Communities program provides a place for community decision-makers to utilize resources around innovative technology solutions, procurement and leading initiatives. Through in-depth coverage on the latest news, best-of-breed solutions, government best practices, and a forum to engage IT vendors and peers, the program enables community leaders to quickly and confidently address the changing needs and growing demands for the application of technology within their jurisdictions.
"It is imperative that today's communities adopt digital technologies to effectively serve their constituents," said Angela Smith, Deputy Director of Washington County, Maryland Department of Permits and Inspections. "We recognized the value, and quickly and cost effectively implemented a best-of-breed mobile inspection solution that helped us reduce inspection approval time and capture more permit revenues. The system has revolutionized the service that we are able to provide to our community."
About Digital Communities
The Digital Communities Initiative combines technology and services from some of the world's leading companies to provide turnkey solutions that help forward-thinking governments transform their operations, increase economic vitality, and enhance the livability of their communities. For more information, please visit www.govtech.net/digitalcommunities.
About Government Technology
Government Technology is the award-winning national magazine of record covering information technology's role in the business of running modern state and local governments. Through in-depth coverage of case studies, technology solutions and the implications of digital technology on the polices and management of public sector organizations, Government Technology chronicles the dynamics of governing in the information age. For more information, please visit www.govtech.net.
Media Contact:
Andrea Kleinbardt
Director of Marketing
Government Technology
916.932.1338
akleinbardt@govtech.net
