The ability to test new technology before buying it is a convenience many consumers have come to expect. But for government agencies, that’s the exception rather than the norm.
North Carolina is one of the exceptions. Last year, the state launched a collaborative effort with industry, educational institutions and citizens to transform the way government delivers products and services through technology. The heart of that effort centers on the North Carolina Innovation Center (iCenter), a working laboratory in Raleigh, N.C., where users can test new hardware and software before the state commits to purchasing them. Workspace design, hosted virtual desktop and self-service solutions in state offices and attractions are among the recent projects being conducted at the iCenter.
