Utah businesses and organizations now have a vehicle, created through a public/private partnership, for driving the information highway.
Called SmartSite, the system includes everything a user needs to work over a computer network. Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt and Novell CEO Robert J. Frankenberg unveiled the technology this week at BrainShare, Novell's weekong technical conference.SmartSite consists of a PC server equipped with Novell workgroup programs, including e-mail, group scheduling and calendaring. It has a web server and directory services. The system, currently available exclusively from Uinta Business Systems, costs under $10,000.
The state helped develop the prototype system to ensure that small businesses aren't left behind advancing technology, said LaVarr Webb, the governor's deputy for policy.
The state also set up a Smart-UTAH intranet to serve as the hub for public/private interactions such as bidding on state jobs and discussions on getting Utah online. The site is located at (www.smartutah.org).
The state helped developed the prototype SmartSite system in hopes of serving as a catalyst for businesses and organizations to plunge into cyberspace.
Joe Weis, president of Uinta Business Systems, said the company provided hardware at about cost and software that is "aggressively priced" for the first SmartSite system.
Weis said his company got involved to show that electronic collaborating and transactions aren't some futuristic option but are possible now.
The low-cost system will appeal to small businesses and groups, such as service clubs, Webb said. For instance, Kiwanis clubs or chambers of commerce throughout the state could purchase a system and then use it communicate with each other.
In addition to Novell and Uinta Business Systems, US WEST also contributed technology used in the system. "This is the equivalent of giving democracy a dialtone," said Kevin B. Taylor, US WEST manager for general markets.
"Utah is delivering on the promise of the information age," Leavitt said. "Every organization, business and government agency will be able to buy affordable, easy-to-use servers that connect to SmartUTAH, enabling citizens to participate in government as they have never been able to before."