INSIDE

Mississippi iNTERACTiVE REpORT 2012

Agency Spotlight ............... 2

Message From the General Manager .............. 3

MSI Gives Back ................. 4

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Focused On MobileMississippi Department of Public Safety Launches Successful Mobile Applications

his year Mississippi Interactive (MSI) expanded the state’s mobile presence by

partnering with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to release a Driver’s Practice Test mobile application. A first of its kind for Mississippi, the mobile Driver’s Practice Test is an interactive application featuring graphics, pictures, and road signs to test users’ knowledge of the road.

The Driver’s Practice Test has been downloaded more than 4,700 times and has been featured in local newscasts, radio programs, and various social media channels. Citizen response to the mobile application has been very positive. One reviewer of the app said, “With two kids who will be taking this test in the next two years, this app will see a lot of use. Very well done!” Another citizen commented on the usefulness of the app for all

I n 2012, the state of Mississippi and MSI collaborated on a significant undertaking: to redesign the state’s website for the first time in more than 10 years. The result, ms.gov, was a landmark eGovernment accomplishment for Mississippi in greatly

improving online service delivery to citizens and businesses. The refreshed appearance modernizes ms.gov with citizen-submitted imagery

that highlights Mississippi’s unique heritage. However, ms.gov is more than just an eye-catching site. A sample of ms.gov’s new functionality includes an interactive services directory, GeoIP mash-up mapping, search optimization, customized live chat, and extensive social media integration.

The redesigned ms.gov was accomplished at no cost to the state or citizens using a self-funded model with Mississippi’s eGovernment partner, Mississippi Interactive (MSI). Though ms.gov is hosted in Mississippi’s robust State Data Center, MSI covers all operational expenses, valued at more than $345,000 thus far, such as the hardware, content management system, third-party tools, and customer support as well as the design, development, and ongoing enhancements.

The design’s unveiling was announced during Governor Phil Bryant’s inaugural “State of the State” address in January. In addition to the initial extensive coverage via press releases and local media outlets, ms.gov has been recognized as an award-winning national leader by seven organizations, including a 5th place win in the Center for Digital Government’s prestigious Best of the Web Contest. Cathilea Robinett, executive vice president for the center, described the redesign as going from “0 to 60” in one year. n

ms.gov – From 0 to 60 In One Year

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Agency SpotlightMississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks

In partnership with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks (MDWFP), MSI

has implemented several key new services and solutions to support the agency’s commitment to providing value to its constituents.

In early 2012, the partnership launched over-the-counter payments for Quail Hollow Golf Course. For the first time, MDWFP clerks were able to accept credit card payments for tee times and pro shop merchandise. The solution has generated more than $230,000 in revenue for the Department.

After the launch of the over-the-counter solution, MDWFP met with MSI to work on the launch of an iPhone application to appeal to Mississippi’s mobile-ready outdoor enthusiasts. The application, launched in July 2012, contains fun, innovative, and useful features such as online license purchasing, state park GPS mapping, and social media integration. To date, the mobile app has been downloaded 5,400 times. To accompany the mobile application, MSI worked with the department to redesign its online hunting, fishing, and boating licensing system, updating the interface and ensuring the service was mobile-optimized. MSI was able to create one seamless dynamic system for users to purchase a license or a boating renewal from their computer, smartphone, or tablet by using responsive design. The responsive design present in the application changes to the user’s own browser and device orientation automatically.

Curtis Thornhill, MDWFP chief information systems officer, said of the services and relationships MDWFP has developed with MSI, “MSI created a new customized portal for the sale of hunting and fishing licenses as well as renewal of boat registrations. The new portal application requires less time for a customer to make a purchase and complete the payment process. The MSI staff has been very dedicated to the projects initiated by MDWFP and strives to provide a quality service for the state of Mississippi and to the citizens using our services.” n

State of Mississippi’s Official payment processor

n December 2010, Mississippi Interactive (MSI) was selected as the state’s partner of electronic government (eGovernment) services following a competitive bid process. The contract between Information

Technology Services (ITS), the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), and Mississippi Interactive allows any Mississippi state agency, locality, board, or commission to partner with MSI to provide self-funded eGovernment services to their constituent base. Additionally, under this eGov contract, MSI was named as the state’s official payment processor.

Streamlining Mississippi’s official government payments through one solution has created efficiencies for integrating state solutions and provided a trusted, branded interface to citizens. Today more than 34 official Mississippi entities use the MSI payment processor to securely process self-funded online, point-of-sale, and mobile payments.

At the heart of MSI’s comprehensive payment processing approach is the NIC Payment Engine (TPE), a fully hosted, Web-based, enterprise-class payment processing solution that exceeds all processing requirements outlined by the state of Mississippi. TPE was specifically designed for use by state governments and has been seamlessly integrated with Mississippi’s Statewide Automated Accounting System (SAAS). Future integration with MAGIC will be completed in 2013.

By using NIC’s payment solution, the state is relieved of most of the burdens and costs of PCI compliance. NIC’s corporate and portal security teams continuously monitor online applications and systems to detect vulnerabilities, and adhere to the highest levels of payment card industry (PCI) compliance. Yet, even with most of the risk outsourced, partners still need to be aware that 100 percent of the risk cannot be outsourced.

As the state’s official payment processor, MSI looks forward to assisting agencies and localities with online, over-the-counter, and mobile payment solutions. Our technical integration options, security practices, robust reporting, and customer service set us apart from our competitors. n

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2012 Mississippi payment processing highlights

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One person with passion is better than 40 people merely interested.” E. M.

Forster’s quote hints at the obstacles that can be overcome and the vast possibilities that can be accomplished by garnering the power of enthusiastic, inspired, and driven individuals.

Over the past two years, as general manager of Mississippi Interactive (MSI), I’ve had the privilege to witness the role passion has played in the state’s eGovernment program’s success. With Mississippi’s leaders embracing innovation and agency partners seeking the latest technical solutions, the partnership between the state and MSI has achieved remarkable milestones:• Redesigned the nationally recognized,

award-winning ms.gov• Created ms.gov’s first social

media presences• Launched six websites, 19 applications,

and seven mobile services• Drafted 11 press releases• Earned seven awards• Provided enterprise, secure and reliable

payment processing for more than 35 state entitiesThe MSI team thrives off the state’s

excitement for efficient, digital solutions. Every day, I hear their brainstorming and collaboration as they strive to deliver new services utilizing pioneering technologies to propel Mississippi’s eGovernment. On behalf of MSI, I want to thank the state of Mississippi for embracing the same passion we do for innovation. Sharing this vision, I look forward to celebrating many more “first in the state – and nation” achievements in the years ahead.

Deanna Gronlie MSI General Manager

Message From the General Manager

Looking Localn 2012 MSI began working with the Mississippi State Extension Services’ e-BEAT to establish a local government initiative focused on building Web presences for Mississippi communities. The

initiative’s first goal was the construction of an attractive and flexible website template that would enable localities to highlight their unique branding and heritage while allowing for rapid deployment. This approach, which utilizes the content management software SharePoint, also allows cities and counties to easily manage content specific to their citizens. In December 2012, the city of Leakesville, MS, launched its first website using this model generating an outpouring of citizen support and appreciation. Through organization with the e-BEAT coordinators there are currently 14 municipalities across the state who are interested in a similar website solution.

In addition to local websites, a number of municipalities have expressed a need to offer online payments to their citizens. From utility payments to parking fees, MSI is working to provide a payment solution that can be quickly implemented and easily maintained by city and county staff members. Like the online solutions developed for state agencies, the local payment solution will use a self-funded model and will require no monies from the municipality’s budgets.

With the successful launch of local websites, anticipated release of payment services, and continued support from the e-BEAT coordinators, the list of cities and counties, regardless of population size or budget, with attractive Web presences and efficient online services will spread throughout the entire state of Mississippi.

Embracing InnovationState of Mississippi Establishes Mobile Presence

Citizens are on the go and so is Mississippi!

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200 S. Lamar St., Suite 800Jackson, MS 39201 (877) 290-9487ms.govmsegov.com

MSI Gives Back

T he staff of Mississippi Interactive understands the importance of investing in one’s community. As

residents of Mississippi, giving back to our state not only enriches the lives of others, but also our own. In 2012, the MSI team created a “12 Months of Giving”campaign focused on philanthropic efforts throughout the state.

The staff served breakfast to the homeless each week during the summer, donated school supplies to the fourth-graders of Davis Elementary, participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, as well as sponsored the Little Light House’s “Milestone Challenge” 5K.

Additionally, our 13-person staff pooled resources to donate more than $10,000 worth of clothing and goods to the Salvation Army, more than $500 in food to the Stewpot Community Services Food Pantry, and bins full of toys for a holiday toy drive benefiting the special needs students of the Little Light House. In all, the MSI team made donations valued at more than $25,000 and more than 100 hours to our outreach efforts.

MSI is excited to give back to Mississippi in 2013, and has already kicked-off the second annual “12 Months of Giving” campaign with a supply drive for a local no-kill animal shelter, ARF (Animal Rescue Fund). n

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| continued from page 1 | age groups by saying, “This app is great for new drivers and for drivers who have been driving for many years, like myself.”

MSI’s accomplishments with the Driver’s Practice Test are just one example of NIC’s expertise in providing electronic government services for all types of devices. NIC is the largest provider of official government mobile apps in the United States with the launch of more than 100 government mobile applications. NIC is focused on ensuring that

our partners have access to the latest technologies for providing electronic services. We are constantly reviewing, testing, and developing for these innovative new technologies. Additionally, NIC’s mobile expertise allows our portals to work together to share the code so that other apps can be quickly created.

With the welcome reception of mobile apps such as the DPS Driver’s Practice Test, MSI is eager to partner with other state agencies to further increase Mississippi’s mobile footprint. n

The MSI staff spreads some holiday joy at the

Little Lighthouse in Jackson, Miss.

Focused On Mobile

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