While IT Optimization provided the standardization necessary to drive economies of scale through infrastructure consolidation (server, storage, mainframe, and network), the State of Ohio is now focused on the next step – IT innovation.

With the signing of Executive Order 2019-15D, Governor Mike DeWine established the statewide focus on IT innovation. The goal is to make State government a more effective and efficient leader in using technology to improve customer service and save tax dollars. The governor, lieutenant governor, and state chief information officer (CIO) are working together to make IT innovation a top priority. They are committed to improving the lives of citizens and state service delivery through innovative technologies.  

While great progress has been made since the signing of the executive order, there is more to be done. The IT Innovation Technology Strategic Plan for 2020-2022 continues to build on the successes of the past, supporting the vision of the DeWine-Husted Administration. IT Innovation will streamline and modernize State IT through a focus on digital experience, data analytics, enterprise shared services, on premise or in public clouds, and collaboration.

The strategy focuses on one team, with one goal - to leverage technology to better serve the people of Ohio.

IOP, in Partnership with State Leaders and Agencies, Announce the Launch of DataOhio Portal - 1.11.2021

On December 7th, the InnovateOhio Platform (IOP), partnering with the Ohio Departments of Health, Higher Education, Rehabilitation and Correction, and Youth Services, announced the launch of the DataOhio Portal.

Powered by data securely hosted on the InnovateOhio Platform, the DataOhio Portal is a public-facing portal which displays datasets from across partnering agencies. The DataOhio Portal is a first-of-its-kind State technology that allows agencies and stakeholders, as well as the general public, access to key State of Ohio data and associated reports. 

The initial launch of the DataOhio Portal includes:

• Over 200 public and secured datasets, with nearly 100 available to the public for the first time.
• Over 25 ‘Made with Ohio Data’ featured projects, highlighting successes across state agencies leveraging data to make an impact on Ohio lives and communities.
• Over 100 interactive visualizations, making data more consumable and easy-to-understand.

The DataOhio Portal delivers value for partners and the public:

• Increases transparency by significantly expanding access to key State of Ohio data. 
• Empowers the public by putting data into the hands of key partners, local governments, researchers, reporters and citizens. 
• Informs policy and state programs to better serve Ohio communities.

“By working with our State agency partners, we’re able to deliver a powerful tool that provides unprecedented access to a wealth of data,” said Director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Matt Damschroder. “Good data can be used to make good decisions, and we look forward to seeing how this tool will help shape Ohio’s future.”

The DataOhio Portal’s key functions and features for state agencies and partners ensure a seamless, secure and efficient experience, by leveraging technology and capabilities offered by the InnovateOhio Platform, including:

• Data from multiple agencies is consolidated into a single, intuitive catalog that provides detailed descriptions and the ability to access, save and / or share datasets.
• Enhanced data visualizations, powered by Tableau, allow users to view data in a more consumable way and to analyze data most relevant to them.
• A secure and traceable data sharing experience for the State and its partners that leverages OH|ID technology.

The DataOhio Portal will continue to undergo capability enhancements and onboarding of additional datasets, with the vision of it ultimately becoming Ohio’s single source for data. 

Discover what data is available on the DataOhio Portal today, and consider your agency’s involvement in the future, by onboarding data and submitting “Made with Ohio Data” projects. Contact Platform@InnovateOhio.gov to get started.

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ODJFS Launches New Child Support Mobile App - 11.7.2020

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) released a new mobile app that gives users secure and easy access to their child support case information. It is available for free on mobile devices through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

The ODJFS Office of Child Support collects and distributes nearly $2 billion annually to more than one million Ohio children. The program is administered locally by 88 county child support enforcement agencies.

“This new mobile app will give Ohioans we serve quick and easy access to their case information anytime and anywhere,” said ODJFS Director Kimberly Hall.

The Ohio Child Support mobile app allows users to:

• Register to access child support case/order and account information.
•  Make a payment by credit card or view instructions for making payments from their checking or savings account, either electronically or through the mail.
• Choose how to receive payments by enrolling in direct deposit or the Ohio child support debit card program.
• Review their payment history for the last 24 months.
• Receive payment notifications and alerts.
•  View case details for their Ohio child support cases.
• View and update their personal information, including contact, employment, health insurance and child information.
• Contact their child support worker by safely and securely sending messages.
• Find their local child support agency information, including phone number, address, website and directions

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Ohio Cyber Security Day 2020 - 11.9.2020

Cyber security is a vital part of safeguarding the information of Ohio’s citizens and businesses and its state and local information technology infrastructure. Ohio’s government agencies must continue to adapt solutions to protect computer systems, data, networks and infrastructure and detect attacks. As important, agencies must be ready to respond to and recover from those attacks. 

Please join our virtual event in the morning on November 17th from 9:00 am - Noon (virtual lobby opens at 8:15 am) for Ohio Cyber Security Day 2020 hosted by the Department of Administrative Services. This half-day event will include presentations and an informative panel discussion covering current cyber security topics including:  

• Phishing, Business Email Compromise, Ransomware – One the Thing Leads to Another
• Threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits
• Industry developments 

Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted recently recognized October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Therefore, it is the perfect time to remind you that you are the number one defense against threats to Ohio’s IT infrastructure.

Would-be data thieves prey on State employees using methods like phishing. Phishing is when scammers, usually posing as a trustworthy source, use email to attempt to get you to divulge personal information such as user names and passwords. Phishing attempts are becoming more sophisticated. Spelling and grammar in scam emails has improved, and the look of legitimate websites can be copied. 

Be aware if:

• The message is from someone who does not normally send you email.
• The message is from someone you know, but it is not expected. Always check the underlying email address, not just the name.
• There are hyperlinks in the email. Be very careful with links because they may not take you to the site you are expecting. Always check the URL.
• You are urged to take immediate action. This is particularly true if it tries to illicit fear by saying things such as “Your account was hacked,” or “Your account will be deactivated.”
• Other recipients are individuals you do not know.
• The message contains an attachment you were not expecting. Only open attachments you are expecting. When in doubt, check it out.
• The message seems suspicious. Take a moment to confirm the request through another method like a phone call or face-to-face discussion before you take action.

Also exercise particular caution when using a mobile device, as its view and functionality often differ from a desktop.

If you think you have received a phishing email, contact your IT department or, if you have one, click the “Phish Alert” button in the upper right corner of your email.

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RFI Issued for Technology to Support Remote K-12 Learning - 9.4.2020

Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the next steps in Ohio Broadband’s plans to expand broadband access across the state. In an effort to provide K-12 schools with a public, transparent price list that can be used to purchase equipment and services for remote learning, a Request for Information (RFI) was recently issued.

The RFI is asking respondents to provide their best available K-12 educational pricing for equipment and services including, but not limited to, laptops, Chromebooks, hotspots, MiFi, in-home internet, mobile internet such as placing hotspots on buses, and additional products to enhance the connectivity options of students and teachers.

Respondents to the RFI will need to provide the specific equipment they have available, number of units available, price, and amount of time it would take to implement an order. The information gathered as a result of the RFI will be housed in a single location, giving every school district a chance to easily compare what is available.

Additionally, schools can apply for a dollar to dollar matching grant program with the state for hotspots, in-home internet, and internet-enabled devices to students. This funding will be facilitated through the federal CARES Act and will total $50 million. Schools will have the flexibility to use the funding through a connectivity plan that makes the most sense for their student population and district.

Additional details are available within the RFI.

 

 

Technology Board

A newly created Technology Board will help to enhance enterprise IT alignment and ensure agency interests are represented within the IT governance process and duplicative activities are minimized. The board aligns agencies according to common purpose within five Lines of Business (LoB). Agency CIOs will be aligned by LoB to facilitate the discussion of opportunities, issues, and concerns within their partner agencies. We have selected five Line of Business Leads (LoB Leads) to drive long-term acceptance and sustainability of IT solutions that support the State’s objectives for IT Optimization. The LoB, their associated LoB Leads, and partner agencies are organized as follows:

 

Line of Business	LoB Lead	Partner Agencies
Health and Human Services	Nate Huskey Department of Health	Aging Developmental Disabilities Health Job & Family Services Medicaid Mental Health & Addiction Services Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Veterans Services
Business and Industry	Scott Brock Development Services Agency	Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Commerce Development Services Agency Industrial Commission Insurance Public Utilities Commission Secretary of State* Taxation
Administration and Finance	Michael Carmack Department of Education	Administrative Services Auditor* Budget and Management Education Higher Education House of Representatives* Legislative Information Systems* Lottery Senate* Treasurer of State*
Public Safety & Criminal Justice		Adjutant General Attorney General* Public Defender* Public Safety Rehabilitation & Correction Supreme Court* Inspector General Youth Services
Infrastructure and Environment	Rick Magni Environmental Protection Agency	Agriculture Environmental Protection Facilities Construction Commission Natural Resources Ohio Turnpike & Infrastructure Commission* Transportation
* Voluntary participation

 

IT Innovation Resource Documents

 IT Optimization Archive Information