State’s First Mobile App Improves Accessibility of Business Information

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) today unveiled the State of Hawaii’s first application for mobile devices. The mobile app includes a modified version of the current services available on DCCA’s Business Registration website. The app is designed to make it easier for the public to search a business name, find information, and purchase filed documents or certificates of good standing on devices with smart touch response screens and smaller interfaces.

“Leveraging new and relevant technology to better serve the public is part of the Abercrombie Administration’s effort to keep our services fast and efficient and to transform the way government operates,” said Keali’i Lopez, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. “Business name searches and purchases of certificates of good standing are some of the most popular online services in Hawaii state government, and now they are even easier and more accessible.”

The State’s business registration database, accessible through the mobile app on an iPad, iPhone, Android or other mobile devices, contains filings dating back to the 1800’s. With larger text, bigger buttons and a clearer layout, the mobile app makes it easy for the public to get the information they need to do business.

“This mobile app makes searching the business registry as easy as it gets,” DCCA Business Registration Division Chief Tung Chan said. “The pace of business today means that people want answers right away. If you get a call about a business and need information on that company on the spot, or if the bank e-mails and says you are missing a certificate of good standing to get that loan, you can easily handle it on your smart phone or tablet, wherever you are – on a bus, at the Capitol, at the office, even on the beach.”

To access the mobile app, go to business.ehawaii.gov on your mobile device and a mobile version of the DCCA Business Registration Division website will automatically be displayed. No downloads or installation are required to view the app. If you prefer to use t he traditional version of the website that you would find on your laptop or PC, you can select “classic” at the bottom of the page to shift back to the regular website interface.

The mobile business search app was developed at no cost and is maintained via the eHawaii.gov program, a largely self-funded public private partnership between the State of Hawaii and Hawaii Information Consortium LLC. This partnership has allowed Hawaii to deploy award-winning applications such as:  Hawaii Electronic Bench Warrants, Statewide Camping Permits, Hawaii Business Express and Online Motor Vehicle Renewals. Hawaii Information Consortium also recently redesigned websites for the State Energy Office, Hawaii State Judiciary and Hawaii County Public Works.

About eHawaii.gov

Hawaii’s official Internet portal, eHawaii.gov, is managed by Hawaii Information Consortium, LLC, a Hawaii corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC Inc. Hawaii Information Consortium works with state agencies to enable them to conduct state business online and improve public access to government information.

About NIC

NIC Inc. (NASDAQ: EGOV) is the nation’s leading provider of official government portals, online services, and secure payment processing solutions. The company’s innovative eGovernment services help reduce costs and increase efficiencies for government agencies, citizens, and businesses across the country. NIC provides eGovernment solutions for more than 3,500 federal, state, and local agencies in the United States. Additional information is available at egov.com.