Delay Upgrade to MacOS Sonoma (macOS14)
The Division of Technology Services (DTS) requires a delay in the upgrade to the new MacOS Sonoma (macOS14). DTS needs to conduct testing to ensure that the virus protection tool, Xcitium, is compatible with the new operating system. We have begun testing and will work as quickly as possible to ensure there are no issues. We will notify you when testing is complete, and you can upgrade to Sonoma. Currently we are asking all Mac users to refrain from upgrading.
New COO is Troy Black
We are pleased to announce that Troy Black has accepted the position of DTS COO. Troy has extensive experience in technology leadership, enterprise solutions, and relationship building. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a solutions oriented leader with a focus on continuous improvement and building high performance teams. As COO, he will be overseeing the Network/Communications teams, Hosting teams, Edge teams, and Identity and Access Management teams. Troy is a Utah native and enjoys all things Utah has to offer. An avid outdoor enthusiast, on evenings and weekends you can find him hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, camping and fishing. Troy is also a music lover of all kinds. He will be joining the DTS team in the coming weeks.
State of Utah ServiceNow Low-Code No-Code Workshop: October 16
Date: Monday, October 16th, 2023Time: 8:30 am – 4:00 pmLocation: Hybrid Event
- Taylorsville State Office Building – Bonneville Room (3rd Floor)
- A virtual workshop link will be provided
- Low-Code App Innovation Keynote
- Hands-on Instructor Lead Enablement: Build Your First Low-Code App on Public
- Working Session – Form Creator Teams & Discuss Scenarios / Lunch Hour
- Hands-On Teams Build: Each team builds a Low-Code Solution with App Engine on PSDS
- Team Presentations
DTS Enterprise Projects Update: August 2023
New DABS Online Licensing & Permitting System
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) recently launched a new DABS Online Licensing & Permitting System. This new system enables businesses and others to maintain all alcohol licensing and permitting using a fully integrated, web-based system; eliminating long drives to the DABS administrative office to deliver applications and make payments. The new online system and IT improvements reflect Governor Cox’s goal for streamlining and modernizing government, and his goal for enhanced focus on customer service. See additional information here.
New Purchasing Process: Technology Acquisition Approval (TAA)
As part of Utah Code 63A-16-204, Approval of information technology acquisitions, the CIO needs to approve all technology used in the state. The Technology Acquisition Approval (TAA) form was created for that requirement. It helps DTS and State Purchasing plan and assist with finding a solution if needed. Once a solution is found, the “Chosen Solution Approval Form” (Business Case) is completed by IT and submitted to the Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and the Agency Executive Director for Approval. This form will help streamline acquiring new technology by providing a clear and organized method for evaluating and selecting new technology solutions.
You can additional information here.
Utah Ranked #1 in Delivering Digital Government Services
The state of Utah has been a leader in delivering online government services and information for many years. That position was reinforced by the most recent rankings for state digital government services.
The Center for Digital Government ranked Utah first overall in the 2023 State Government Experience Awards. The Awards recognize progress and innovation in the delivery of online services in government at the state and local level. Utah has finished in the top three of the Center’s rankings every year the state has been eligible since 2006, and claimed the top ranking in 2007, 2009, 2017, 2018, and 2023.
“Utahns have come to expect excellence from Utah.gov and the state’s online services,” said Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox. “We are pleased to be recognized for these efforts and we will continue to improve the way we use technology to make it easier to interact with state government.”
More than 1,800 online services are available to Utahns through Utah.gov, the state’s official website. These services make interacting with state agencies and completing business with the government simpler, thus saving time, money, and other resources. For example, the Division of Wildlife Resources successfully sold tens of thousands of high-demand hunting permits through the online system, processed more than 200 transactions a minute during the peak of demand, and sold more than $1.5 million worth of permits in one day.
“We appreciate this recognition by the Center for Digital Government,” said Alan Fuller, Utah Chief Information Officer. “I am fortunate to work with an amazing team in Utah that successfully delivers digital government services. These services are essential to delivering on the Governor’s vision for Utah Home and we are committed to improving and expanding services for citizens and businesses in the state.”
The Government Experience Awards recognize the achievements and best practices of states, cities, and counties that excel at creating useful online government services and applications. The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and sets the standard for measuring best practices in state and local government. Additional information can be found at https://www.govtech.com/gov-experience/government-experience-awards-2023-enhancing-access-and-efficiency.
New IT Director at UDOT Scott Jones
We are pleased to announce that Scott Jones is the new IT Director for Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). Scott grew up in Oakland, California and received a BS degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Brigham Young University. After graduation, Scott joined UDOT and has worked there for over 25 years. Much of his career has been spent in Operations and Safety, becoming a national expert in data analytics and visualization. In March 2019 Scott became the UDOT Director of Data, Technology, and Analytics, a newly created division with the purpose of providing consistent technology and data analytics support throughout the Department. Please join us in welcoming Scott to DTS.
Government Operations Rate Committee Approves FY2025 DTS Rates
The Department of Government Operations Rate Committee met earlier this month to discuss the proposed FY2025 DTS Rates. The Committee approved the rates, and now the Governor’s Office will consider the proposed rates. Ultimately, the Legislature will consider and give final approval for the FY2025 rates during the 2024 Legislative Session. You can see the full presentation and proposal here.
Included in the FY2025 rates is a new Seat Rate, which will make rates more simple and predictable. The rates will replace computer support (and helpdesk), security, security assessment, network, email, and software rates with a Device rate and a User rate.
Device Rate: This rate would include the current computer support (and helpdesk), network, security, SCCM (software/patch management), and security assessment rates.
User Rate: This rate would include Google Enterprise, AdobePro/Sign, Active Directory, and Identity Access Management.
Utah Design System Workshops
DTS recently held workshops on how to utilize the new Utah Design System, available at designsystem.utah.gov. The System is a resource to agencies and DTS may refer to when implementing new or upgrading websites and applications. It will help guide the State on the components needed to ensure accessibility, security, and other industry best practices. You can see more about the Utah Design System here.
View the Workshop slide presentation here.
View the Business Workshop recording here.
View the Technical Workshop recording here.
We hope this is a valuable resource for state agencies and DTS employees going forward. The DTS User Experience team can help provide guidance for your teams when launching new websites and applications.