Another state technology project is delayed

Madison, Wis. - The state of Wisconsin, already beset by cost overruns and project delays on information technology projects, will in December miss a fourth deadline for switching on the first phase of a new computer system to run the state 's prisons, according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal.

The $25 million project, which is described as ambitious and complicated, will be at least 18 months behind schedule in its opening stage, which was to be completed in June of 2007. Three more stages will follow, the report said.

Under the project, the state will replace four computer systems that track 23,000 prisoners and some former prisoners released on probation or parole. Some of the systems are 25 years old.

Since there is a fixed cost contained in the contact, there will be no contractual cost overruns, but there will be extra state dollars spent on Department of Corrections staff members working on the project.

Through October, the state spent at least $3.2 million for those state workers' salaries, but since the project's staff costs were never estimated, officials can`t say if that's over budget. Related stories

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