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NASCIO is a nonprofit that represents state chief information officers (CIOs) and information technology executives and managers. The organization focuses on helping governments excel with best practices, information management, and technology policy. In their annual survey, NASCIO asks State CIOs to outline their Top 10 priorities for the year.

Overwhelmingly, State CIOs reported that they are focused on modernizing their technology in 2019. To do this, they are moving formerly on-premises software to cloud-based software. Software-as-a-solution (SaaS) applications are Cloud solutions that enable governments to be more agile, offer more streamlined digital experiences and meet the expectations of the population and employees.

SaaS solutions can help meet multiple 2019 NASCIO top priorities. Here’s how:

1. Security and Risk Management. Ensuring that data is protected, insider threats thwarted, and security and risk management policies have the budget and framework needed are top of mind for CIOs. Look for a SaaS vendor that offers robust security certifications. SaaS providers should be able to demonstrate their own high standards in data privacy and cybersecurity. Also, SaaS providers built on large public clouds, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) have access to industry-leading security protocols and features.
2. Consolidation/Optimization. CIOs are also focused on centralizing and consolidating services, operations, resources, infrastructure, and data centers. Looking at the private sector for inspiration, an “enterprise” mindset has become a model for government communications and marketing. SaaS vendors in these spaces offer solutions based on the best practices in the private sector and should be able to integrate easily with other systems and tools, such as your ERP, Excel, HRIS, Public Safety system, 311, and more.
3. Digital Government. Citizens and government employees expect governments to offer digital services that improve their experiences, access to services, and the ability to engage in feedback. SaaS solutions help enable this experience by being easy to use and access, and create a single platform for employees to manage services from.
4. Budget, Cost Control, Fiscal Management. As CIOs look to modernize, SaaS-based budgeting software platforms are taking center stage. Far easier to use and manage than spreadsheets (and less error-prone), SaaS budgeting solutions streamline and transform the end-to-end budgeting process, freeing people up to focus on what really matters: analysis to draft the best budget, tying that budget to actuals, and evaluating performance.
5. Data Management & Analytics. With data pouring in, governments need data management and analytics tools that can sift and surface relevant information. SaaS solutions are designed to filter the data that matters and should provide easy-to-use visualization tools to make this data impactful and shareable for stakeholders.

With modern technology, governments can quickly and easily implement solutions that meet their digitalization goals. Prioritizing SaaS solutions can modernize your government, enhance collaboration, and allow for more efficient and effective processes where your technology is working for you. To learn more about some of the specific technologies that will change the public sector, listen to this webinar presented by forward-thinking government IT professionals and leading SaaS engineers.