Technology, Office for

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/22/08.

Mission

Since its inception in 1997, the Office for Technology (“OFT” or “the Office”) has evolved from an organization that plans and coordinates the State's investments regarding information technology into an organization with significant operational responsibilities. The Office's mission today is to provide centralized technology services, shape technology policy, and coordinate statewide technology related initiatives to improve the efficiency of New York State government.

Budget Highlights

The 2008-09 Executive Budget recommends $431.3 million All Funds (including $30.5 million General Fund, $319.2 million Internal Service Funds, and $81.6 million Other Funds) to support ongoing agency activities. This is an increase of $108 million All Funds (an increase of $4.9 million in the General Fund, $53 million in Internal Service Funds, and $50.1 million Other Funds) from the 2007-08 budget. This change primarily reflects expansion of efforts to implement Universal Broadband, progression of the Statewide Wireless Network (SWN) project, the maintenance of adequate State data center facilities, and centralization of procurement for strategically selected information technology services. The Executive Budget recommends a staffing level of 749 FTEs for the Office for Technology, an increase of 20 from the 2007-08 budget. This reflects staff augmentation to better serve customer agencies and implement statewide technology policies.

Major budget actions include:

• Universal Broadband Access Initiative: This ongoing effort seeks to ensure that every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-speed broadband service. The agency continues to lead this effort and the Executive Budget recommends $15 million ($5 million General Fund, $10 million Capital Projects Fund) in new funding to support this project.

• Implementation of SWN: Development of the Statewide Wireless Network is projected to continue in 2008-09. In addition to a new $40 million capital appropriation to support system development costs and acquire user equipment, operating funds of $21 million are also recommended to support the project. The recommended appropriations reflect an $11 million decrease from the appropriations enacted for 2007-08. In April, the State is scheduled to determine whether Phase 1 of the system meets the benchmarks required under the contract for the project. This budget assumes the project continues on schedule.

• Interim Data Center Space: The Executive Budget incorporates $11 million in capital funding to renovate existing state-owned office space. This additional space is necessary to accommodate projected agency demand for additional data center space, while construction on the new consolidated data center is ongoing.

• Existing Data Center Facilities Improvements: A $4.1 million General Fund appropriation is recommended for repairs at the current four State data center facilities. These repairs are needed in order to continue to provide reliable services to agency customers.

• New Consolidated State Data Center: A $99.1 million Capital Projects re-appropriation is recommended for the construction of a new Consolidated Data Center that will permit the safe and secure operation of the State's mainframe computers and servers at a single, efficient primary site.

• Additional Centralization of Technology Services: A new $50 million Internal Service Fund appropriation is recommended for the centralized procurement and delivery of selected technology services for customers.

2008-09 Executive Budget — Agency Presentation
Technology, Office for (PDF)