LITTLE ROCK - "Cloud computing can help create agility and economic efficiency toward implementing an effective enterprise strategy. To illustrate how the cloud is changing the role of IT in the public sector, the Arkansas State Technology Council (STC) and the Arkansas Department of Information Systems (DIS) hosted information technology leaders from across the state for the quarter IT leader meeting, Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Office auditorium in Little Rock.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to look at new providers and to delve into the cloud strategy of what we’re working on for the state of Arkansas and making sure we are working together and coordinating our efforts,” said Claire Bailey, Arkansas chief technology officer and director of DIS.

By moving certain systems to the cloud, Google presenter, Donna McIntire, head of sales engineering, North America-state and local government, education, said governments can move faster and become more innovative.

Microsoft presenter Rochelle Eichner said her focus was to demonstrate how the company’s cloud computing alternatives enable companies and governments to email, collaborate, and conduct instant messaging in the cloud in a secure environment.

DIS customers are invited to provide input for topics of interest for next quarter’s meeting by commenting on Facebook, Linkedin, or Twitter.