Information is expensive to create and maintain. At that time, over 1,400 State employees were directly involved in the delivery of technology. The report also noted that most other state employees were dependent upon information technology in some way to carry out their responsibilities. In addition to the technology itself, other components of information management, i.e. data input, data maintenance, storage, data distribution, etc., add significantly to the costs associated with the production of information. Especially in times of limited resources, state agencies need to manage their information resources to achieve the greatest benefit possible.
Information has value to the State.
Many contemporary issues facing government will be of ongoing concern, and information on the issues will be critical to decision making and problem solving. The State has an obligation to protect the public s interest in vital information resources and preserve them for future generations. LAB s standard audit procedures include evaluating computer system documentation standards, computer security, back-up procedures, and disaster recovery plans. State agencies need to be prepared to demonstrate that their information systems are adequate in all these areas. While technology gives State agencies the capability to respond to the growing demand for information, it also presents a number of challenges.