DaimlerChrysler CIO: 'Access to High-Speed Internet and Information Technology Tools Critical to Michigan's Future'

EAST LANSING, Mich., April 22 In a speech titled ``The New Economy: Information Technology Facts and Fiction,'' DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Susan Unger shared insight into the importance of information technology tools for Michigan's private, public and non-profit sectors, and outlined how a successful information technology strategy is crucial to the state's economic development.

In addition, Unger announced a donation of $50,000 from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund to Cyber-State.org for the support of high- speed Internet access in Michigan.

Cyber-State.org is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization committed to ensuring that all Michigan residents are able to benefit from information technology (IT).

Unger delivered the keynote address at the Economic Club of Greater Lansing at Michigan State University's Kellogg Center. Unger is a board member of Cyber-State.org, and is a graduate of Michigan State.

``We should be concerned about our state's E-readiness and the digital divide, no matter if it's the private, public or non-profit sectors,'' stated Unger. ``The gulf that exists in the United States between people who have access to the Internet and computers versus those that do not has a direct impact on economic and social opportunities. Knowledgeable use of information and technology will not be achieved unless the value of information technology is understood.''

Donation to Cyber-State.org

During the program, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund donated $50,000 to Cyber-State.org, a member of the Altarum Group. Cyber-State.org focuses on:

Building community IT capacity; Ensuring technology literacy for workforce development; Expanding government access through fast, transparent connections to public information and services; and Providing an IT policy and strategy forum for Michigan through which government, private business, educators, non-profit leaders and consumers discuss technology issues and concerns. The funding will go towards research to assess the current use of government-related web sites by Michigan's citizens and businesses, and the development of a recommendation report that will be presented to local government officials throughout the state.

``We are grateful for the support that DaimlerChrysler has shown Cyber-State.org, both financially and with the insightful guidance that has been shared from DaimlerChrysler's own experience with IT,'' said Katherine Willis, President of Cyber-State.org. ``We will now be able to take a hard look at the issues Michigan faces as it moves towards becoming a 'networked' state.''

Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Chrysler Group and President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, stated that the automotive industry must play an integral role in supporting technology issues in Michigan.

``In the end, we must find a solution that provides our state with a robust and highly skilled workforce, a competitive edge for commerce and increased efficiency with existing government processes,'' said Fountain.

The New Economy and value in effective IT strategies

Unger defined the New Economy as a global knowledge- and idea-based economy -- where the keys to wealth and job creation stem from how well ideas, innovation and technology are embedded in all sectors of the economy, including services, manufacturing and agriculture.

It's fueled by the revolutionary advances in information technologies.

Unger reflected upon the impact that the dot.com craze had on the economy. ``The key elements of surviving in the New Economy can be found in gaining an understanding of the technology hype cycle,'' said Unger. ``The 'dot.com scare' should not stall or cancel e-business deployments, as long as a solid IT strategy is in place that will enable businesses and governments to transform their most critical revenue and business processes.''

The need for quality Internet tools

In addition, Unger highlighted a Cyber-State.org study commissioned last year. It polled Michigan residents to find out where the state stood in overcoming the digital divide. The key findings were:

50% of Michigan residents own a computer (up 5% from 1998); 63% have used the Internet (up 20% from 1998); 45% have purchased a product or service on the Internet (up 23% from 1998); 70% do not understand broadband Internet or its value to Michigan's economy; 75% of those online in Michigan rely on slower phone lines and modems. ``While we see increases in technology exposure in Michigan, people still remain blase about high-speed Internet access,'' said Unger. ``We need to build awareness of its value to the local community economies and to our citizen's quality of life.''

Unger also noted that to accomplish the goal of making Michigan a true player in the New Economy, the state must adopt new strategies for success.

``We must forge strong partnerships between business and government, and the public service and educational sectors,'' added Unger. ``We must reinvent and digitize all facets by investing in and promoting an infrastructure for innovation. We must accelerate the development of a skilled workforce, which will help create a better quality of life for all of our state's citizens.''