NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release
	Contact: Erin Hutchins Alabama Interactive (866) 353-EGOV erin@alabamainteractive.org

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. - August 12, 2004 - Alabama's innovative official Web site keeps getting better. The state of Alabama recently unveiled the its next generation Web portal, which offers a fresh design as well as new features to enhance the visitor experience. As with Alabama's previous Web portal, the new Alabama.gov continues to offer easy-to-use electronic government services and information for all visitors.

"The primary focus of Governor Riley's administration has been to increase state accountability," said Rex McDowell, Acting Assistant Finance Director. "By offering government services online, Alabama is functioning more efficiently and cost effectively while providing Alabamians with direct access to customer service and support."

The Alabama.gov portal was designed by Alabama Interactive, the state's official eGovernment partner, to simplify and promote a visitor-friendly approach to state government. New and redesigned features include:

Live Online Customer Service - Alabama.gov features online, real-time support to visitors via its Live Help feature. Dedicated support representatives are available during normal business hours to help visitors find information, answer questions, and offer immediate customer service for online applications.

State Government News Room - Alabama state government news releases can be easily accessed via the Alabama News section of Alabama.gov. This section provides a one-stop repository for information about Alabama state government including news releases and information from the

governor's office.

Online Services - Alabama.gov users can now complete more than 40 transactions with the state - online, anytime. Services ranging from professional license renewal to subscribing to Outdoor Alabama magazine to ordering a tourism guide are available on Alabama.gov. Locating these services is easy by using the Featured Services menu.

Google Search Technology - Searching for information on Alabama.gov is made easy through the use of Powered by Google search technology. By leveraging the nation's leading search engine technology, information is quickly catalogued and organized so that the most relevant search results are displayed with top priority.

These and many other features build upon Alabama.gov's growing reputation as one of the nation's premier state government web sites.

"From purchasing hunting and fishing licenses to researching upcoming legislation, our goal is to ensure that Alabama.gov provides citizens quick and convenient access to state government," said Winn McInnis, general manager of Alabama Interactive. "This new portal represents a significant step towards allowing citizens to be only a few clicks away from government information and services."

About Alabama Interactive
Alabama Interactive is the official eGovernment solutions provider for the state of Alabama. The company builds and manages interactive government services on behalf of the state and is a wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (Nasdaq: EGOV).

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 1,500 state and local agencies that serve more than 51 million people in the United States. Additional information is available at www.nicusa.com.

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