The fundamental building block of digital government is data. Data documents the relationships between state programs and participants. Every service and transaction requires the state to collect and maintain data from the citizens to ensure that the proper person is making payments or receiving benefits.
Data, the raw material of the information age, must be managed just as the other state resources (such as staff, finances, and facilities) are managed. Data is the "common denominator" which links all these resources together. Effective data administration provides an environment in which data is treated as a valued resource. It can be turned into useful information wherever and whenever needed.
The Office of Information Technology’s Data Management Services (DMS) is the definitive resource for data management technology, knowledge, and expertise for New Jersey's executive branch. Working with the state’s Data Management Council, DMS develops, implements and supports data management practices statewide. DMS manages statewide data resources, such as the Enterprise Data Warehouse, Universal Data Store and Metadata Repository.
In addition, DMS offers services to specific departments and agencies. For example, the Motor Vehicle Data Warehouse provides integrated management, planning, and fraud detection information. For the first time, data from four disparate systems is integrated daily to provide a “single version of the truth” for MVC activities.
The data used in all digital government projects must be accurate and secure. Using common tools and methodologies, the state more effectively manages data across multiple systems. Because data is shared between systems, citizens can rely on the state to process transactions quickly and correctly using the most up-to-date information.
