Managing Big Projects State and local governments are employing systems integrators to design and deploy major IT projects more effectively. As state and local governments rely more on information technology to deliver better services and improve efficiency, they have turned increasingly to systems integrators to design and deploy their computer systems. Issues having to do with rising public needs, federal mandates, the growing complexity of technology and the increase in agency-based applications are helping to drive the systems integration market in government. Choosing an integrator means working with one contractor and one contract, even though a project might involve dozens of different kinds of hardware and software, as well as several systems.
Good integrators develop systems based on the best mix of technology.
They are also adept at redesigning business processes so that the new technology can be more effective. Systems integrators usually specialize in certain kinds of information solutions or in certain areas of government, so their level of experience and reliability can be high. But simply hiring a systems integrator doesn't mean the job is going to be done right. Experts and experienced government officials agree that a successful systems integration project requires significant management on the part of the government agency. The management that Sharon and others speak about includes everything from daily meetings with the systems integrator to ensure that the project stays focused on its objectives, to extensive contract management along with drafting a new kind of request for proposals to start the process.