Information Technology will be one of the primary enablers that will make this transformation a reality. Maryland has always been a leader in using Information Technology to perform voluminous tasks, such as processing tax returns, that could not be manually performed in a cost effective or timely manner. Building upon this base, Maryland has already begun to implement a series of initiatives that use Information Technology to dramatically change how the State executes its tasks, and how Maryland government delivers services to its customers, the citizens of Maryland. For example, the Independence Card, the first of its kind in the nation, uses a debit type card to allow Marylanders electronic access to child support payments, food stamp subsidies, and public assistance payments that have been electronically transferred to holding accounts for each supported citizen. The State will directly tie the use of Information Technology to the realization of the State's shared vision.
CAPs allow citizens to interact with government in a method that is easy, friendly, and convenient.
The Maryland Electronic Capital is the State's first step in this coordinated, cooperative approach to providing universal access to government services. The Maryland Electronic Capital is a series of Maryland government and related public sector Internet World Wide Web home pages that provide coordinated and improved access to government information and services. This breakthrough approach to universal citizen access allows Marylanders to request and pay for services that previously required a trip to a State office. To increase the success rate of Information Technology projects, Maryland developed Statewide Information Technology policies from industry and government best practices. The policies are based on the State's Information Technology planning precepts , and cover areas such as project management, systems development, procurement, and training.