Texas wildlife work to continue with Verizon

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has awarded a contract to Verizon Business to continue providing an automated system that processes hunting and fishing licenses. Under the new five-year, $15 million contract Verizon Business supplies the network architecture, data hosting and customized database applications for the system, which allows licenses to be sold across Texas. This wide area network serves more than 1,900 retail license sales agents and generates about $87 million annually in revenue for the state. Through the Texas License Connection System, the state can sell hunting and fishing licenses through sales agents, over the phone or via the Internet. Verizon Business’ customized Web-enabled application allows applicants to electronically purchase hunting and fishing licenses and access license information via the Internet 24 hours a day. The system updates the central database with the latest information on hunters and anglers, including all point-of-sale, Internet and telephone license sales. In addition, Verizon Business delivers help desk support for license sales agents across the state. The system generates more than 3 million transactions per year, including the sale of 164 distinct license types. Government Computer News’ , .