Geographic Solutions' Successful Deployment of NASWA SIDES Module Modernization
In a significant leap forward for unemployment insurance processing, Geographic Solutions has announced the completion of the inaugural nationwide production deployments of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies' (NASWA) updated State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES). This successful implementation positions Geographic Solutions as the first vendor in the U.S. to transition client states to this modernized platform.
Understanding SIDES
SIDES is a secure, web-based system that facilitates the electronic exchange of unemployment insurance claims information across various stakeholders, including state workforce agencies, employers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and professional employer organizations (PEOs). The primary goal of SIDES is to streamline the claims process. By enhancing speed, accuracy, and security, the platform plays a crucial role in minimizing improper payments while assisting employers in managing their unemployment insurance tax costs more effectively.
Continuous Modernization Efforts
In response to evolving needs, NASWA updates SIDES modules regularly, incorporating enhancements that states request to enhance system performance. The latest modernization effort began in earnest in November 2025, when Geographic Solutions started laying the groundwork for infrastructure enhancements to support the new platform. This proactive approach underlines the company’s commitment to providing a reliable solution for unemployment insurance.
Collaboration with Client States
Geographic Solutions didn't undertake this significant modernization effort alone. They collaborated closely with NASWA and four client states to ensure that testing, certification, and implementation proceeded smoothly. This joint effort culminated in the successful rollout on July 16, where all four client states transitioned to the upgraded SIDES platform seamlessly, marking a historic milestone as the first nationwide implementations of its kind.
The Impact of the Upgrade
Reflecting on the successful deployment, Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions, highlighted the importance of this achievement. He stated, "Successfully completing the nation's first production implementations of NASWA's modernized SIDES module reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, secure unemployment insurance technology." This successful transition empowers agencies to leverage the platform's latest features promptly, thereby enhancing their service delivery to employers and claimants.
Ongoing Partnerships
Geographic Solutions remains dedicated to collaborating with state workforce agencies to modernize their unemployment insurance systems further. The emphasis is on developing secure and scalable technology that not only increases operational efficiency but also enhances program integrity and the overall service experience for both employers and claimants.
About Geographic Solutions
Geographic Solutions stands as the leading provider of comprehensive software solutions for state and local workforce agencies across over 40 states and U.S. territories. Their cloud-based platforms encompass a range of services, including workforce development, labor exchange, labor market information, unemployment insurance, education, vocational rehabilitation, and various human services programs. Their software is utilized by over 1,100 American Job Centers and is accessible to a staggering 211 million citizens nationwide. For further details on their offerings, visit
www.geographicsolutions.com.