In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Application service provider” means an entity that provides access to or deployment of business software applications and services over the Internet. “ASP” means application service provider. “Board” means the CEO Board of Advisors for E-Commerce. “Consortium” means the “eMaryland” ASP Consortium. “E-commerce” means electronic business and commerce.

The CEO Board of Advisors for E-Commerce and the “eMaryland” ASP Consortium are established under this subtitle to assist in the State’s efforts to create the most advanced electronic business environment in the nation and become an international leader in the deployment of new Internet technologies.

There is a CEO Board of Advisors for E-Commerce. The Board may not exceed 12 members and shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Each member of the Board serves for a period of 3 years and may be reappointed. The Governor shall designate two representatives of State government to serve as ex officio members of the Board. The members appointed by the Governor shall be industry leaders who have substantial experience and expertise in electronic commerce. The Governor shall designate a chairman or cochairmen from among the members. The Board shall meet at least twice annually. The Board shall: advise the Governor on economic development policies and initiatives to advance the promotion, deployment, and use of e-commerce in the State; recommend ways to improve the State’s position as an international leader of e-commerce; and provide policy guidance to the “eMaryland” ASP Consortium and related ASP initiatives. A member of the Board may not receive compensation as a member but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations as provided in the State budget. The Department of Budget and Management and University of Maryland, College Park Campus shall provide staff support to the Board.

There is an “eMaryland” ASP Consortium at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus. The general purpose of the Consortium is to promote the deployment of Internet–based technologies in Maryland. The Consortium shall develop strategic partnerships with the State, institutions of higher education, federal agencies, and world class technology companies to carry out its mission. The Consortium shall: develop pilot models for the deployment of Internet–based applications for government and educational institutions, such as procurement, financial, and human resource management applications; participate in collaborations to promote the development and testing of ASP technologies in Maryland; provide advice and assistance to small start–up companies wishing to utilize ASP technologies; and work with industry and public agencies to research and develop emerging e–commerce technologies. There is a management committee for the Consortium. The management committee is responsible for approving the activities of the Consortium and providing direction and oversight. The management committee shall be composed of: the Secretary of Information Technology; the Chief Information Officer at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus; the Director of the Supply Chain Management Center at the University of Maryland, College Park Campus; the Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation; and a member appointed by the Governor.