In this Issue
Agency Strategic Plan
DIR recently released its Agency Strategic Plan for FY 2013–2017. The plan focuses on the state's top ten technology priorities established in the State Strategic Plan released last November. The ASP can serve as a blueprint for partner agencies in developing their Legislative Appropriations Requests in advance of the upcoming legislative session. DIR identified agency priorities, challenges, and accomplishments; organizational issues; as well as support needed for future success. Agencies, higher education entities, and local government customers statewide weighed in on DIR performance and opportunities for improvement via surveys and facilitated sessions. DIR appreciates the input and thanks all key stakeholders for their assistance in preparing the ASP.
Have Questions? Ask DIR!
DIR recently launched a new tool for customers to get information about the agency or its programs. Just call 1-855-ASK-DIR1 (1-855-275-3471) with any and all questions about the agency—we're here to help.
Data Center Services Transition
As of July 1st, the new service providers for DCS began operations under the Multi-Sourcing Integrator (MSI) model. With the new model, Capgemini is providing program oversight and management. DIR's DCS team continues its agency engagement and outreach efforts, including monthly town halls with partner agencies to review activities, solicit feedback, and respond to questions. For more information or if you have additional questions about DCS, please contact Jeff Amato at DIR or call us at 1-855-ASK-DIR1 (1-855-275-3471).
DIR Under Sunset Review
The Sunset Advisory Commission staff has begun its review of DIR, which includes, but is not limited to, evaluating its recommendations to the 82nd Legislature. Sunset staff will issue updated recommendations on DIR in mid-November 2012. The Commission will then meet on December 18 and 19, 2012, to hear public testimony on the agency and the Sunset recommendations. Based on public input and the Sunset staff report, the Sunset Advisory Commission will adopt recommendations for the full Legislature to consider when it convenes on January 9, 2013.
If you would like to share your ideas about DIR's operations or the recommendations previously made by the Sunset Commission on DIR, you may send an email, use the comment form on the Sunset Advisory Commission website, or contact Katharine Teleki of the Sunset staff. Suggestions are preferred by Friday, September 14, 2012, so they can be fully considered by the Sunset staff.
Social Engineering—Are You at Risk?
Featured in this month's CyberSecurity Tips newsletter is a review of specific social engineering methods perpetrators use to access your personal information, along with specific recommendations to minimize these threats. Read more here.
Upcoming Training
View the full DIR events calendar here
Social Media Policy Guidelines for State Agencies
Over the past year, DIR has worked closely with state agencies and institutions of higher education to develop guidelines in their official use of social media. The collaborative project involved 32 agencies, representing expertise in technology, legal, security, records retention, accessibility, communications, and human resources. These guidelines identify the important policy areas that agencies must address in order to stay compliant with existing legislation. This was the first step in creating a comprehensive Social Media Toolkit to help agencies establish a successful social media program. Two additional sections—Strategy and Content—are expected to be published in the next few months. DIR will continue to seek your input as the Toolkit is developed.
Have questions about social media or these guidelines? Please contact Jon Lee.
Two New Features in the Biennial Performance Report (BPR)
Have you wondered what happens to your agency information from the Technology Resources Planning (TRP) section (Section 11) of the Agency Strategic Plan? Our Technology Planning and Policy team compiles TRP submission and leverages your input into the BPR, which reports progress on the Top Ten IT priorities in the State Strategic Plan. With this year's BPR, we'll also provide two resources:
1) Agency Spotlights
2) Agency-Reported Data
Agency spotlights highlight specific examples of agencies demonstrating success in one of the Top Ten Priorities. Since the BPR focuses on Texas as an enterprise, we want to include as many agencies as possible. If you have a suggestion or would like your agency's project to be highlighted, contact DIR's Planning and Policy team.
Agency-Reported Data is similar to an Open Data initiative—we compile the content from every agency's TRP into one data table, offering everyone the ability to view, evaluate, and explore each agency's current and planned technology initiatives. We are currently contacting agencies to fill in some gaps in their TRP information.
We believe these two features will be a tremendous resource for agencies as they continue their technology planning efforts. The completed BPR will be posted on the DIR website on November 15, 2012.
Click on the "Follow us on twitter" link for agency updates and more from DIR.
Get a customized report on your purchase history with DIR! With a complimentary custom report, you can track purchase amounts, products and services bought as well as your overall cost savings using DIR Contracts. To find out more, contact John Dechene.
Let us know if you'd like more information on a specific DIR program or service, or if you have a general comment about the agency. We'd like to hear from you!
About file formats.
