Modern computing technology makes it possible for governments at all levels to use the data they already collect to improve service coordination and delivery, and to conduct research and evaluation to inform policymaking. California is well behind other states in taking advantage of this opportunity, in education and in other fields. The state has a patchwork of data systems that are not well integrated and do not provide satisfactory answers to the state's most important policy questions. A particular need is for better linkages across providers -- for example, between K-12 and higher education, or among the state's three public higher education systems. Regional collaborations have developed to fill this need. While these efforts are important and valuable, they are also difficult to set up, and necessarily leave large gaps. Regional efforts are not an adequate substitute for statewide systems. While there are political, technological, and organizational barriers to the creation of improved statewide data systems, they are not insurmountable. Other states have overcome these barriers and demonstrate the substantial value of better data systems. Enormous IT projects are not required -- significant progress can be made at relatively low cost, given political will to overcome bureaucratic and organizational inertia. A stronger statewide data infrastructure is an essential part of a modern education system today and will help California deliver a world-class education to its students.