The document summarizes Mississippi Interactive's work with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and other state agencies. It discusses the launch of a successful mobile Driver's Practice Test app by MSI in partnership with DPS that has been downloaded over 4,700 times. It also mentions MSI's focus on expanding Mississippi's mobile presence and developing additional mobile apps for state agencies.
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MISSISSIPPI’S OFFICIAL STATE WEBSITE
Mississippi INTERACTIVE REPORT 2012
INSIDE
Agency Spotlight................ 2
Message From the
General Manager............... 3
MSI Gives Back.................. 4
Focused On Mobile ms.gov – From 0 to 60 In One Year
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Mississippi Department of n 2012, the state of Mississippi and MSI collaborated on a significant undertaking:
Public Safety Launches 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
Successful Mobile Applications
improving online service delivery to citizens and businesses.
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his year Mississippi Interactive (MSI) The refreshed appearance modernizes ms.gov with citizen-submitted imagery
expanded the state’s mobile presence by that highlights Mississippi’s unique heritage. However, ms.gov is more than just an
partnering with the Department of Public Safety eye-catching site. A sample of ms.gov’s new functionality includes an interactive
(DPS) to release a Driver’s Practice Test mobile services directory, GeoIP mash-up mapping, search optimization, customized live
application. A first of its kind for Mississippi, the chat, and extensive social media integration.
mobile Driver ’s Practice Test is an interactive The redesigned ms.gov was accomplished at no cost to the state or citizens using a
application featuring graphics, pictures, and road self-funded model with Mississippi’s eGovernment partner, Mississippi Interactive
signs to test users’ knowledge of the road. (MSI). Though ms.gov is hosted in Mississippi’s robust State Data Center, MSI covers
The Driver’s Practice Test has been downloaded all operational expenses, valued at more than $345,000 thus far, such as the hardware,
more than 4,700 times and has been featured in content management system, third-party tools, and customer support as well as the
local newscasts, radio programs, and various social design, development, and ongoing enhancements.
media channels. Citizen response to the mobile The design’s unveiling was announced during Governor Phil Bryant’s inaugural
application has been very positive. One reviewer “State of the State” address in January. In addition to the initial extensive coverage
of the app said, “With two kids who will be taking via press releases and local media outlets, ms.gov has been recognized as an award-
this test in the next two years, this app will see a winning national leader by seven organizations, including a 5th place win in the Center
lot of use. Very well done!” Another citizen for Digital Government’s prestigious Best of the Web Contest. Cathilea Robinett,
commented on the usefulness of the app for all executive vice president for the center, described the redesign as going from
| continued on page 4 | “0 to 60” in one year. n
2. Agency Spotlight State of Mississippi’s
Mississippi Department of
Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks
Official Payment Processor
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n December 2010, Mississippi Interactive (MSI) was selected as the
I n partnership with the Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks (MDWFP), MSI
has implemented several key new services and
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),
solutions to support the agency’s commitment to and Mississippi Interactive allows any Mississippi state agency, locality, board, or
providing value to its constituents. commission to partner with MSI to provide self-funded eGovernment services to
In early 2012, the partnership launched over-the- their constituent base. Additionally, under this eGov contract, MSI was named as
counter payments for Quail Hollow Golf Course. the state’s official payment processor.
For the first time, MDWFP clerks were able to accept Streamlining Mississippi’s official government payments through one solution
credit card payments for tee times and pro shop has created efficiencies for integrating state solutions and provided a trusted,
merchandise. The solution has generated more branded interface to citizens. Today more than 34 official Mississippi entities use
than $230,000 in revenue for the Department. the MSI payment processor to securely process self-funded online, point-of-sale,
After the launch of the over-the-counter solution, and mobile payments.
MDWFP met with MSI to work on the launch of an At the heart of MSI’s comprehensive payment processing approach is the NIC
iPhone application to appeal to Mississippi’s Payment Engine (TPE), a fully hosted, Web-based, enterprise-class payment
mobile-ready outdoor enthusiasts. The application, processing solution that exceeds all processing requirements outlined by the state
launched in July 2012, contains fun, innovative, and of Mississippi. TPE was specifically designed for use by state governments and
useful features such as online license purchasing, has been seamlessly
state park GPS mapping, and social media integrated with
integration. To date, the mobile app has been Mississippi’s Statewide
downloaded 5,400 times. To accompany the mobile Automated Accounting
application, MSI worked with the department to System (SAAS).
redesign its online hunting, fishing, and boating Future integration
licensing system, updating the interface and with MAGIC will be
ensuring the service was mobile-optimized. MSI completed in 2013.
was able to create one seamless dynamic system By using NIC’s
for users to purchase a license or a boating renewal payment solution,
from their computer, smartphone, or tablet by using the state is relieved
responsive design. The responsive design present in of most of the burdens
the application changes to the user’s own browser and costs of PCI
and device orientation automatically. compliance. NIC’s
Curtis Thornhill, MDWFP chief information corporate and portal
systems officer, said of the services and relationships security teams
MDWFP has developed with MSI, “MSI created continuously monitor 2012 Mississippi payment processing highlights
a new customized portal for the sale of hunting online applications and
and fishing licenses as well as renewal of boat systems to detect vulnerabilities, and adhere to the highest levels of payment card
registrations. The new portal application requires less industry (PCI) compliance. Yet, even with most of the risk outsourced, partners
time for a customer to make a purchase and complete still need to be aware that 100 percent of the risk cannot be outsourced.
the payment process. The MSI staff has been very As the state’s official payment processor, MSI looks forward to assisting
dedicated to the projects initiated by MDWFP agencies and localities with online, over-the-counter, and mobile payment
and strives to provide a quality service for the state of solutions. Our technical integration options, security practices, robust reporting,
Mississippi and to the citizens using our services.” n and customer service set us apart from our competitors. n
2 | Mississippi INTERACTIVE REPORT 2012
3. Looking Local Message From the
General Manager
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n 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
O ne person with passion is better than
40 people merely interested.” E. M.
Forster’s quote hints at the obstacles that can
heritage while allowing for rapid deployment. This approach, which utilizes be overcome and the vast possibilities that can
the content management software SharePoint, also allows cities and counties be accomplished by garnering the power of
to easily manage content specific to their citizens. In December 2012, the city enthusiastic, inspired, and driven individuals.
of Leakesville, MS, launched its first website using this model generating an Over the past two years, as general manager
outpouring of citizen support and appreciation. Through organization with of Mississippi Interactive (MSI), I’ve had
the e-BEAT coordinators there are currently 14 municipalities across the state the privilege to witness the role passion has
who are interested in a similar website solution. played in the state’s eGovernment program’s
In addition to local websites, a number of municipalities have expressed success. With Mississippi’s leaders embracing
a need to offer online payments to their citizens. From utility payments to innovation and agency partners seeking the
parking fees, MSI is working to provide a payment solution that can be latest technical solutions, the partnership
quickly implemented and easily maintained by city and county staff between the state and MSI has achieved
members. Like the online solutions developed for state agencies, the local remarkable milestones:
payment solution will use a self-funded model and will require no monies • edesigned the nationally recognized,
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from the municipality’s budgets. award-winning ms.gov
With the successful launch of local websites, anticipated release of • reated ms.gov’s first social
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payment services, and continued support from the e-BEAT coordinators, media presences
the list of cities and counties, regardless of population size or budget, with • aunched six websites, 19 applications,
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attractive Web presences and efficient online services will spread throughout and seven mobile services
the entire state of Mississippi. • Drafted 11 press releases
• Earned seven awards
• rovided enterprise, secure and reliable
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Embracing Innovation payment processing for more than 35
state entities
State of Mississippi Establishes Mobile Presence The 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
Citizens are on the go and so is Mississippi!
Mississippi INTERACTIVE REPORT 2012 | 3