Indiana Office of Technology Announces No-Cost Website Services for Local Governments 

Local governments can take advantage of no cost website hosting

Indianapolis, IN – 10/23/24: The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT), which for years has been working with local governments to improve cybersecurity and their digital experiences, is excited to announce its latest initiative – no-cost website hosting. For the past four years, IOT has offered low-cost website hosting for local entities, but now there is a free option so that any locality can take advantage. 

In an era where digital interaction has become a cornerstone of public service, maintaining secure, accessible, and efficient online resources is more important than ever. IOT's latest initiative seeks to ensure that all local governments, regardless of size or budget, can offer their constituents a safe, trustworthy and user-friendly online experience.  

The no-cost website offering includes a choice of three award-winning website designs that are accessible-compliant and mobile-friendly. Localities can update the sites through a content management system, view analytics, and also receive access to a calendar and events system. Additionally, IOT provides the same layer of comprehensive cybersecurity measures as used at the State to protect against online threats and ensure the privacy and safety of users. 

Since 2020, under the direction of the State’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) Tracy Barnes, IOT has identified services that could benefit local government and found no-cost or negotiated enterprise rates with the State’s purchasing power to reduce the costs. As part of the State’s new IN.gov contract, local websites are included. 

"This strategic move continues to build trust and aims to significantly improve cybersecurity measures and overall user experience on government platforms,” stated Tracy Barnes. “We’re seeking to empower local governments to better manage their digital front doors, and improve access to all levels of local government, be it a small township or for our larger communities. Hoosiers should expect to have secure, easy to use digital methods to get in touch with their government. By removing financial barriers, we are another step closer to providing an improved, consistent digital experience no matter what level of government a citizen is interacting with." 

Local governments interested in taking advantage this new offering and other IOT services should visit https://on.in.gov/localgovernment. IOT is committed to working closely with each entity to assess their needs and deliver customized solutions that enhance their digital presence. 

As of today, 102 governments are utilizing no-cost website hosting while 15 are using the more comprehensive paid offering. 

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Indiana Office of Technology to promote digital innovation and cybersecurity awareness throughout government. IOT provides local governments with no-cost or pre-negotiated rates for third-party solutions for: 

• Access Indiana, single sign-on 

• Cybersecurity assessments through Purdue University and Indiana University 

• Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

• Cybersecurity software 

• Geographic Information Systems 

• IN.gov subdomains 

• IN.gov websites 

• Office Productivity Suites software 

• QPA pricing on hardware and software 

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