Information Technology Services
The Information Technology Services sector is a sizable technology cluster in Maine and there is a significant presence found in Data Processing, Management and Analysis. Maine firms, and a multitude of professional technology consultants, provide custom computer programming services, database development, Internet Service Provision, network and telecom design/installation/consulting, web page design, systems integration, enterprise-wide applications and computer systems consulting.
A well-established IT Service market in Maine is computer facilities management services, which includes data hosting and network management. There is a wide range of companies involved in electronic commerce, database design, knowledge management systems, health IT, informatics, and computer security, among other applications. Cloud computing will bring new business models in data processing and hosting. The outsourcing of computing for data processing and hosting services industry will continue to expand. More than half of the industry’s revenues are generated through three services: business process management and data processing; data management services; and application service provisioning. Other significant services include IT technical support, IT computer and network management, and website hosting.
The major IT Services organizations include: Systems Engineering, Workgroup Technology Partners, Plixer International, and Winxnet. Some organizations bridge IT with new software/platform products. The IT sector is responsible for much of the productivity gains within Maine companies. The application of new technologies and services is critical for the growth of all emerging technology sectors. The IT infrastructure is as critical today to Maine businesses as the road, rail and utility network. Considerable R&D efforts are conducted as systems and services must continually be upgraded and expanded to create new economic opportunities and leverage new business models. Maine is also home to internationally recognized Cybersecurity organization Sage Data Security. The Maine Cyber Security Cluster will be focused on working with cybersecurity 'users', focusing on demonstrations, developing best practices documents, and methodologies.