Utah.gov Web site offers new services

The Utah.gov Web site is offering a few new features, including around-the-clock customer service through instant messaging and a new state-run site designed to boost cultural heritage.

User feedback has led to the live customer service and other moves as part of a 10-month transition for the Utah.gov site. Others include online help that links to other state departments for more-seamless service, a regularly updated citizen poll and up-to-the-minute news and content updates.

"As a government technology leader, Utah state government needs to continue to align its business practices with the 24/7 real-time reality of the Internet — even in times of tight budgets," said Val Oveson, Utah's chief information officer, adding "we can't put government services online and go home at 5 o'clock and expect citizens to be properly served."

"We must be open for business and offering real-time customer service and support at all hours," he said. "The new Utah.gov and its round-the-clock customer service innovations move us closer to that goal."

The new online citizen poll, called "Voice Your Opinion," is designed to give citizens the opportunity to cast their vote on timely issues and topics. All votes are immediately tabulated and displayed in a results screen so participants can see instantly how their opinion compares with other respondents. The poll question will change regularly.

The front-page content — including "Featured Online Services," "What's New," "Quick Links," "Utah News" and the "Voice Your Opinion" sections — can be altered and have the potential to be updated when the Web browser is refreshed.

"The new Utah.gov is the result of a great partnership between government, citizens, and businesses across the state," said Gov. Mike Leavitt. "Utahns told us what they wanted to see on our state's new Web site, and I'm confident that our enhanced portal will exceed their expectations."

Utah.gov is a collaborative effort between the state and Utah Interactive Inc. Utah.gov was built and is marketed, operated and maintained by Utah Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the e-government firm NIC.

State officials also are hoping cultural heritage tourism gets a boost from www.culturalheritage.utah.gov and workshops being offered by the Department of Community and Economic Development to help communities preserve their history.