October 24, 2023
Digital transformation is more of a necessity than a choice for state and local governments. These institutions are tasked with providing essential services to their communities efficiently and securely with limited resources. As they strive to modernize their IT infrastructures and embrace the digital age, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play a pivotal role in guiding them.
The digitization of services, data, and processes enhances government’s ability to serve citizens, streamline operations, and adapt to evolving needs. Whether offering online services, improving communication, or enhancing data-driven decision-making, digital transformation holds the key to a more efficient and responsive public sector.
Public sector organizations, particularly at the state and local levels, encounter unique challenges when embarking on digital transformation journeys. Unlike their counterparts in the private sector, government entities often face budget constraints that are difficult or impossible to adjust during a given fiscal year. They must also compete for talent with the private sector. Careful planning and allocation of resources in advance is crucial.
Moreover, government agencies may accumulate significant technical debt over time, hindering their ability to adapt to modern technologies. They must also please numerous stakeholders, each with unique interests and priorities. And, notably, the procurement process typically requires soliciting public bids through formal Request for Proposal (RFP) procedures, making actions slow.
MSPs specialize in providing a range of services that can help state and local governments navigate the complexities of digital transformation. These services include setting up 311 systems, managing IT infrastructure, help desk services, and providing compliance expertise in critical areas such as police systems. Their knowledge and experience in delivering IT solutions can be invaluable to government agencies with limited in-house resources.
With an MSP, governments don’t have to compete with anyone for technical resources; they gain immediate access to highly trained experts.
Below are a few case studies of how Dewpoint partners with state and local governments to drive their digital transformations:
Dewpoint provides fixed-price IT support for the City of Grand Rapids in data center operations, network and voice support, desktop support, and enterprise application services. The City can focus on its objectives and scale its IT support up and down as necessary over time. Read the full case study here.
The State of Michigan Department of Management and Budget (DTMB) needed to assess the security environments and controls of Friend of the Court and Prosecuting Attorney offices across the State. Utilizing the CIS Controls Self-Assessment Tool, the Dewpoint team conducted assessments for more than 50 counties with a consistent, repeatable process. See the rest of the story.
Ensuring the security and compliance of government IT systems is paramount. The security team at Dewpoint has found that municipalities are particularly desirable targets for cybercriminals, especially around election times. Check out our recent webinar on managing IT security risks for local government.
While not bound by specific cybersecurity regulations, many organizations aim to meet the Center for Internet Security (CIS) standards. The CIS controls provide a robust framework for safeguarding systems and data from cyber threats. MSPs can help governments meet and sustain security controls, thereby protecting sensitive information and meeting the expectations of their constituents.
Dewpoint, an award-winning, Michigan-based technology firm, has been helping state and local governments prepare for, stay ahead of, and respond to IT challenges for over 20 years.
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Sources:
Government Finance Officers Association | Best Practices: Multi-Year Capital Planning