Bridging the Govtech Gap

For government IT departments, software decisions carry enormous weight. Every choice must balance security, reliability, and usability while protecting sensitive data. There's no room for the "move fast and break things" mentality that drives consumer tech—when you're handling protected health information or sensitive financial data, things simply cannot break.

This fundamental requirement has traditionally pushed agencies toward large, established vendors with decades-long track records. The logic seems sound: bigger means more stable, more secure, and less risky. But in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape, this assumption no longer holds true.

The Current State of Govtech

The gap between government and consumer technology grows wider each year, but not for the reasons many assume. It's not that government IT leaders don't understand modern technology—they do. The challenge lies in procurement systems and risk assessment frameworks that haven't kept pace with how modern software is built, deployed, and secured.

Many agencies still run on mainframe computers and COBOL programming, not because they prefer legacy technology, but because transitioning away from these systems requires navigating complex procurement processes while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. Meanwhile, security requirements often result in locked-down environments that prevent the deployment of modern cloud-based solutions, creating a paradox where efforts to protect sensitive data actually increase vulnerability by prolonging reliance on aging systems.

Rethinking Risk in Government Technology

The traditional equation of size with security deserves closer examination. Large, established vendors often carry significant technical debt in their products—layers of legacy code that can harbor vulnerabilities. Their size can make them slower to patch security issues, and their prominent market position makes them attractive targets for bad actors.

In contrast, modern cloud-native software companies, though smaller, often maintain more robust security practices:

• Zero-trust architecture from the ground up
• Continuous security monitoring and updates
• Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
• Modern encryption standards and data protection

The True Cost of "Safe" Choices

When agencies default to established vendors, they often end up with software that's harder to use, more expensive to maintain, and paradoxically, potentially less secure. These systems typically require extensive training, resist integration with other services, and struggle to adapt to changing needs.

The real risk isn't in adopting modern software—it's in maintaining outdated systems that:

• Lack modern security features
• Require specialized knowledge to maintain
• Resist integration with other services
• Cost more to operate over time

A New Approach to Government Software

Modern government agencies are successful when they apply software that prioritizes several key principles:

Security Through Architecture

Rather than bolting security onto existing systems, modern software builds it into the foundation through zero-trust architecture, end-to-end encryption, and continuous monitoring.

API-First Design

Modern APIs enable secure data sharing between agencies while maintaining strict access controls and audit trails. This approach allows for gradual modernization without compromising security or service delivery.

User-Centric Security

Security and usability aren't opposing forces. Modern software can implement robust security measures while maintaining intuitive interfaces that reduce human error—often the biggest security risk.

Moving Forward

The path to modern government technology doesn't require choosing between security and innovation. Instead, it requires updating our understanding of what makes software secure and reliable. Small, agile companies building modern cloud-native solutions often provide better security, reliability, and user experience than traditional vendors.

The future of government software lies not with legacy systems from established vendors, but with modern, cloud-native solutions that embrace security as a fundamental design principle rather than an afterthought. By updating procurement processes to better evaluate modern software architecture and security practices, agencies can access better tools while maintaining the high security standards their missions require.

Here at Persimmony, we are working on technology to dramatically improve government services while enhancing security and reducing costs. We have helped dozens of local government agencies and programs make the transition away from home-grown solutions and large legacy systems. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and how we can help.