Information kiosks operating under other protocols can also allow citizens to access services without having to own their own computer. The standardization required for interoperability may require compromise and new investments by all concerned, however, and many managers question whether they're authorized to invest in activities extending beyond the boundaries of their narrowly constructed agency missions. However, the creation of new organizations adds complexity that may be too much for some to handle. Performance contracting is perhaps the most immediately constructive non-traditional IT funding mechanism. It represents an exceedingly attractive opportunity, especially for those aiming to improve revenue collection or in settings where the unit costs of service delivery are readily measurable.
User charges represent another important non-traditional option for IT funding.
Though federal policy opposes user charges that exceed marginal cost, major opportunities exist in states and localities for charges that offset significant portions of the underlying costs of collecting and maintaining the data involved. Undeniably, user charges have been controversial and, in many settings, will require serious analysis and debate before they can be implemented. Still, user charges will undoubtedly allow some governments to offer new services while at the same time avoiding the need to charge the general taxpayer for services that benefit direct users rather than the larger society. Businesses use INK to access information and to file government forms electronically. Because it's fast and easy to use, nearly every bank in the state now uses INK rather than the traditional, paper-based way of filing documents.