Project participants identified dozens of characteristics that they would expect to find in the "ideal" state-local information system project. These characteristics fell into four categories: objectives, project management methods, design features, and user support features.

• The objectives of a state-local system project set the stage for all subsequent activity and evaluation. They drive all the investments of all stakeholders. Clear compelling objectives make these investments pay off.
• State-local systems projects involve a variety of players in different organizations, at different levels of government, in different locations, and sometimes in both the public and private or non-profit sectors. An ideal project management process takes all this into account.
• Systems that connect state and local government usually affect work already underway in both places. Ideally, such systems integrate with processes, information flows, technologies, and staff capabilities already in place.
• State-local systems are implemented in a wide variety of organizational settings and used by staff with a range of skills and experience.The system will only be as successful as its users can make it. User support services are a key to that success.