ABSTRACT
The effective use and management of information technology (IT) is a major goal of every state. Almost all forms of government use some aspect of IT. Even within the most remote and rudimentary functions, attempts are made to try and improve efficiency. Personal computers are a standard tool and the use of spreadsheets is a common practice. As the numbers of Internet users increase, electronic government (e-government) portals have been developed as a way to reach those users. In terms of management, information resources must be cost-effective at a time when calls for fiscal accountability are pervasive. Various forms of governance exist, resulting in debates about whether or not to centralize a state' IT resources. Unless otherwise noted, the references used will be about practices among the 50 American states. However, for many of the following concepts, the wider political term “state” could be interchanged. Although many variations in the use and management of IT exist, some common patterns of governance have been identified.
