Many state-level automation efforts could complement the locals' efforts. HHSC and the 11 state health and human service agencies under its umbrella are working to improve cross-agency communication, data sharing, and data integration. These changes should increase the number of state caseworkers with access to automated information and referral data. The Internet is one of the most promising vehicles for providing information and referral services. The Internet, a worldwide computer network based on common rules for organizing and presenting information, allows computer users to access data from other computers quickly, at any time, and from almost any location.
Phone lines connect users' personal computers to computers in their local areas called servers.
Because the Internet can be accessed around the clock from virtually anywhere in the state, it could offer a significant improvement over office-based information and referral systems available only during traditional working hours. Emerging Internet tools can search very large databases quickly and thoroughly. Finally, Internet databases require no more maintenance than existing ones, and because they are more widely and easily accessible, they could be used to provide information and referral services with fewer staff members, at a lower cost. Many state and local governments, including Texas, have used the Internet to provide public information in a number of areas including economic and demographic data for prospective businesses, and recreational and travel information for tourists. Private businesses use the Internet to communicate with customers and business partners.