Arkansas Official Web Site Recognized for eGovernment Excellence; www.Arkansas.gov Ranked among Five ``Best of the Web'' State Portals by the Center for Digital Government.

Political Writers/High-Tech Writers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2003

The redesigned Arkansas state Web portal continues to get attention.

Most recently, the state's official Web site (www.Arkansas.gov) was singled out in the 2003 Best of the Web national competition for eGovernment excellence. The Arkansas portal was ranked fifth among a field of more than 260 public sector Web sites, marking the first time the state's Web efforts earned a top-five placement in the contest.

The 2003 Best of the Web competition was conducted by the Center for Digital Government, an international research and advisory institute on the use of information technology in government. Now in its eighth year, Best of the Web evaluates government Web sites based on their innovation, Web-based delivery of public services, efficiency, economy, and functionality.

"Our overriding goal is to make it easier for Arkansans to deal with their state government," said Governor Mike Huckabee. "Each time we develop a new online application, we want to simplify the process. I'm delighted our efforts were recognized in this year's Best of the Web competition. We're not going to be satisfied yet, though. We'll continue to work hard to offer additional online services."

Launched in July 1997, the Arkansas.gov portal supports 170 state agencies and processed more than 1.5 million online transactions last year. The state's portal features more than 250 interactive services that help constituents interact more efficiently with government, including car tag renewals, property tax payments, business tax filings, and game and fish licenses. Arkansas Information Consortium, a Little Rock-based subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (Nasdaq:EGOV), manages Arkansas.gov on behalf of the state.

"Government portals are truly becoming the citizen gateway to services as sites become more robust and easier to navigate," said Cathilea Robinett, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government. "The enhanced Arkansas.gov site has helped Arkansas move to the top of the Best of the Web rankings and reflects the state's commitment to serving its citizens and businesses."

Representatives from the Center for Digital Government, Government Technology magazine, State Technology, Inc., and state and local government officials from Virginia and Tampa, Florida, were on the judging panel for the 2003 Best of the Web contest.

"Arkansas.gov continues to be among the most innovative state portals in the nation, and we're very pleased to have our efforts recognized by Best of the Web," said Preston Means, Assistant Commissioner of Revenue for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Means also serves as the Chairman of the Information Network of Arkansas Board, which oversees the operations of Arkansas.gov.

"It's an honor to be a part of a winning team," said Janet Grard, general manager of Arkansas.gov. "We salute Governor Huckabee and everyone in Arkansas state government for their commitment to using technology to enhance constituent services."

About Arkansas.gov

Arkansas.gov is the official Web site of the state of Arkansas (www.Arkansas.gov) and a service of the Information Network of Arkansas. The Information Network of Arkansas is a collaborative effort between the state of Arkansas and Arkansas Information Consortium that helps Arkansas government entities Web-enable their information services.

About NIC

NIC manages more eGovernment services than any provider in the world. The company helps government communicate more effectively with citizens and businesses by putting essential services online. NIC provides eGovernment solutions for 1,400 state and local agencies that serve more than 71 million people in the United States. Additional information is available at www.nicusa.com.