Chief Justice: Tech tools save millions

The Federal Judiciary may be steeped in history, but it is not tied to the past, according to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts' year-end report. "We have increased efficiency through the use of information technology, which accounted for 5 percent of the Judiciary's 2004 budget," he wrote. "The courts now routinely use computers to maintain court dockets, manage finances, and administer employee compensation and benefits programs."

The Judiciary has achieved significant savings through more cost-effective approaches in deploying those systems, he wrote. For example, the courts have found they can employ new technology in tandem with improvements in their national data communications network to consolidate local servers and other information technology infrastructure. The Judiciary's consolidation of its jury management program resulted in a savings of $2 million in the first year and an expected annual savings of $4.8 million through 2012, the report stated. A similar consolidation of the probation case management system is projected to save $2.6 million over the same period.

Meanwhile, the Judiciary is currently undertaking a consolidation of technology in its national accounting system, which is expected to achieve savings and cost avoidances totaling $55.4 million through 2012. Those at the Office of Management and Budget or the Congressional Budget Office may not be impressed by these numbers, Roberts added, but the entire Judicial Branch accounts for only 0.2 percent of the nation's budget. "For us, these are real savings," he wrote.