SACRAMENTO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/03/06 -- The 10 most digitally advanced state governments in the nation have been identified by the Center for Digital Government. The Digital States Survey, conducted by the Center, is a comprehensive study that examines best practices, policies and progress made by state governments in their use of digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations.



Top 10 Digital States From the 2006 Digital States Survey





1st Michigan

2nd Virginia

3rd Ohio

4th Utah

5th Arizona

6th Arkansas

7th South Dakota

8th Kentucky

9th Wisconsin

10th Tennessee





Digital States is the nation's original and only sustaining survey of state governments' use of technology in serving the citizen. The all-new 2006 Digital States Survey provides a benchmark for the next generation of digital service delivery and reflects contemporary citizen expectations and the technologies used to meet them.



In June, the Center invited all state governors and their chief information officers to participate in the revised 2006 Digital States Survey. With more than 70 measurements in four broad areas -- service delivery, architecture and infrastructure, collaboration, and leadership -- this year's survey is the first report on the transition of states to digital government since the 2004 elections.



"With the right leadership, state governments can leverage information technology to greater enhance operations and serve their citizens," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center. "The states in the top 10 continue to advance 21st century governance and show their commitment to the future viability of their states."



"Information technology continues to play a critical role in creating efficiencies, and it remains at the heart of everything we are doing to provide government service to Michigan citizens," said Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. "Whether it's making hunting and fishing licenses available online, or making it easier for businesses to get the permits they need, or providing an online talent bank for employers and job seekers to find each other, I'm proud of the many things we have done through technology to improve service to our citizens."



Michigan's chief information officer, Teri Takai, echoed the governor: "I was thrilled when learning that we had been ranked number one again. It's rare to see back-to-back winners, as there are so many states out there doing wonderful things in government technology. This provides independent validation that we are still on the right track and that our partnerships with all of the state agencies are bringing value and benefits to those who live and work here in Michigan."



Verizon Business (www.verizonbusiness.com) was the exclusive sponsor of the 2006 Digital States Survey. The survey is just one of a series of national studies conducted by the Center that examine best practices and IT innovations in government. City and county governments, along with school boards and community colleges, are also surveyed throughout the year. The Digital States Survey is conducted biennially in even-numbered years, providing a longer horizon in assessing state progress.



For more information on the 2006 Digital States Survey, contact Rob Carlson at 916/932-1430 or rcarlson@centerdigitalgov.com.



ABOUT THE CENTER FOR DIGITAL GOVERNMENT



The Center for Digital Government (www.centerdigitalgov.com) is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. From its market intelligence programs, advisory services and research, to its annual events, custom publishing and publications, the Center provides the most dynamic and diverse opportunities for private- and public-sector leaders to succeed in 21st century government.



The Center is a division of e.Republic, Inc. (www.erepublic.com), the nation's leading publishing, research, event, and new media company focused on information technology for the state and local government and education markets.