Between Two Nerds
Between Two Nerds, hosted by Washington State Chief Technology Officer Nick Stowe, provides insightful conversations about technology in the state of Washington with a different guest each episode.
Between Two Nerds: Joanne Markert on the Power of Where
In this episode, Nick discusses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its role in connecting government with Joanne Markert, Senior Geospatial Program Officer for the State of Washington.
Between Two Two Nerds: Rob Allred on IT Architecture
In this episode, Nick delves into the world of IT Architecture with Rob Allred, State Chief Architect. Rob explains how architects can help decision-makers understand how the integration of technology can improve service delivery, and sheds light on the correlation between architecture and equity."
WaTech's Architecture and Innovation Division serves as a pivotal resource in information technology for the state of Washington, offering comprehensive services to state agencies. This includes IT architecture development, cloud consulting services, and the provision of geospatial and open data resources. AID is committed to fostering the ethical and responsible use of technology, establishing standards and guidelines universally adopted across state agencies.
A key focus for the division is the assessment and integration of cutting-edge technologies, like cloud computing and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring their safe and effective deployment within the state's infrastructure.
Our mission is to shape the technological landscape of Washington state, enhancing service delivery and ensuring equitable access and outcomes for all citizens.
AID Services Overview
Enterprise Archictecture (EA):
EA functions as the blueprint for aligning the state's business vision and strategy with IT infrastructure, ensuring a cohesive approach to achieving the state's objectives. EA employs a structured methodology to evaluate, plan, and guide the evolution of IT strategies and policies, aiding state agencies in realizing their business goals through strategic IT investments. A significant advantage of EA is the collaborative sharing and reuse of technological solutions, optimizing resource utilization across the enterprise.
The Enterprise Architecture program at WaTech uses a collaborative, results-oriented approach, emphasizing the creation of business value and supporting the digital evolution and modernization of government services and IT systems.
Innovation and Modernization Initiatives:
In 2023, the state Legislature established the Innovation and Modernization Fund (IMF) within WaTech, enabling state agencies to tackle legacy system challenges or embrace new technologies for critical business needs. With an initial allocation of $3 million for the 2023-25 biennium, the IMF quickly attracted numerous proposals, demonstrating the high demand and potential impact of this initiative.
The IMF program oversees the evaluation and administration of proposals, fostering collaboration with state agencies to facilitate access to funding and ensuring the successful oversight of approved projects. Efforts are underway to monitor progress, track funding utilization, and gather feedback to enhance future funding cycles.
Enterprise Cloud Computing Program (ECCP):
The ECCP was established to lead the strategic adoption of cloud technologies across Washington state's government, aiming to modernize and transform IT services to meet the needs of its citizens. This initiative is part of a broader vision to create a more interconnected government, improving the accessibility and efficiency of state services through cloud technology. This program emerged from a comprehensive cloud readiness assessment conducted in 2020, laying the groundwork for this transformative journey.
Open Data Program:
The Open Data Program champions the availability of government data to spur entrepreneurship, innovation, and scientific research. By providing data that is free, unrestricted, well-documented, and easily accessible, the program aims to empower citizens and businesses to leverage this resource for a variety of purposes.
Identity Access Management (IAM) Modernization:
The IAM Modernization initiative is focused on selecting and implementing a future-proof IAM solution that aligns with the diverse needs of state agencies and their constituents. This involves conducting thorough usability studies and gathering feedback to guide the selection process, followed by the development of a comprehensive plan for gradual adoption.
Geospatial Program:
The Washington State Geospatial Program Office is dedicated to providing leadership and support in the use of geospatial data, collaborating with GIS departments across state agencies. This effort ensures that both internal and external stakeholders have access to critical geospatial information for informed decision-making.