Survey: Texas Voters Want Government to Leverage Cloud Computing to Cut Spending

IT Personnel Lack Support from Agency Decision-Makers

AUSTIN, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new survey of Texas voters shows strong agreement on the need to cut government spending at the state and local levels by leveraging new technologies, including Cloud computing, to reduce overhead. The survey, released today by Bluetext, found strong support for political candidates who find ways to cut spending, with more than three in four voters saying that using Cloud Computing to reduce spending is a good idea. Nearly nine-in-ten Texas voters say it is important for state and local government leaders to realize cost savings through better use of technology across agencies.

Meanwhile, a separate nationwide survey of government information technology managers and influencers, also released today by Bluetext, found that the more familiar they were with Cloud Computing, the more they supported Cloud initiatives and recognized its benefits to their agencies. The government IT Leaders survey found that seven-in-ten of those most familiar with the Cloud have considered using it as a way to save money and improve efficiencies.

"Voters understand these issues, they recognize the value of moving agency systems to the Cloud, and they're looking for innovative ways to cut government overhead," said Don Goldberg of Bluetext. "And Government IT leaders also see the significant benefits of implementing Cloud solutions, including saving money."

"This survey clearly shows that political leaders and government managers who use new technologies like Cloud computing to cut government spending will be rewarded by voters."

Yet, while a majority of IT Influencers (57%) say the political leadership of their government has Cloud on their radar at least to some degree, just 17% say they are getting a lot of support from agency executives for IT cost-cutting initiatives. 

"This survey clearly demonstrates a disconnection," said Goldberg. "Voters want political leaders and government managers to use technology to cut costs, and government IT leaders want it as well. Yet, they just aren't getting that support."

In an effort to help government technology managers understand the benefits of moving to the cloud for their agency or organization, NetApp has developed The Cloud Playbook for free download at www.thecloudplaybook.com – complete survey results as well as opportunities to apply for grants and calculate savings are available.

The survey, conducted by Fabrizio, Ward & Associates for Bluetext in August, asked 500 registered Texas voters a series of questions regarding wasteful government spending and ways to cut costs. The nationwide government IT leaders survey asked a different set of questions to IT influencers to understand their perceptions of Cloud computing.  The results of both surveys are available at www.thecloudplaybook.com

About Bluetext
Bluetext is a fully-integrated public relations, digital marketing and communications firm. Our team is senior, creative, forward thinking and focused on one clear objective – measurable results. Our ideas are at the forefront of the industry. We partner with our clients to understand their unique challenges, then develop and execute campaigns that build and enhance brand identity, reach new audiences, drive leads and protect reputations. And we have a lot of fun doing it. To learn more, visit www.bluetext.com.

Contact: Don Goldberg
[email protected]
202-365-5224

SOURCE Bluetext, LLC