Government software varies widely depending on what scope your department offers as well as what specific needs best suit your branch of government. Your computer operating system comes into play as you will need software that works with your present system or you will have to upgrade the entire system to fit the software. Make sure that the software is network-ready for multiple sharing over departments and branches.

Many software systems will contain information that you do not need so do not pay for options that do not work for you. Select a software system that will grow with your department. Alternatively, upgrading your present software with new functions may be the best option if you have a system that is already working for you. Look for these features when choosing government software programs:

1. Check government software applications for local government and municipalities.

2. Find software for government with state applications.

3. Purchase government software at the federal government level.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate government software suppliers for local issues

Local governments collect taxes, issue permits, enforce local codes and manage billing and accounting. Choose software providers with solutions for these tasks for your department of your local government.

I recommend: Black Mountain Software sells accounting software for local municipalities, schools and utility districts. Choose the program that meets your government needs. Sungard offers software to local governments to track code enforcement, licensing and utility management such as parking meters.

Buy government software with statewide solutions

State government agencies are responsible for drivers licenses, department of transportation and some zoning issues. Choose software to automate these processes.

I recommend: IDC offers several software suites for government including emergency management, financial and government operation. Pick the one you need or choose a combination of systems if this is the correct solution. Energov Solutions offers land management solutions software including permitting, licensing, code enforcement, planning and zoning.

Get federal government software from suppliers of government software

The federal government runs many programs including FEMA. Software packages help automate and fine tune the services for which the federal government is responsible.

I recommend: Active Government offers several software programs including citizen request management and tracking. When a citizen calls with a question or issue, the system saves the issue. A worker follows up on the issue until resolution. Gov Office provides website software to get your government office up and running on the Internet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase the government software application from trusted sources. Even though an unknown vendor may sell the software for less, the software may be flawed or worse yet it could contain a virus. If there is a virus in the software, it could compromise the entire government department and cripple operation until a technician purges the system.