Strategic Activities

Data Services

·    Completed:
Infrastructure was migrated from Novell to Microsoft.
Email migrated from Novell Groupwise to Microsoft Exchange
·    Completed:
Virtualization technology that consolidates hardware and software in the Microsoft Windows applications hosting environment.
·    Completed:
Ability to create virtual application test environments that minimize impact on production systems.
·    Completed:
Consolidated Storage Area Network (SAN) that eliminates scattered disk pools of storage and provides better response time for users.  
·    Completed:
Near line storage set up off site to assist with continuity of operations and disaster recovery.
·    Completed:
Assisted with implementation of City’s Low Band AM Radio    
·    Completed:
Assisted R.I.T.A. in creating an on site office for citizens  
·    Completed:
Implemented Point of Sale network with Parks & Recreation department.
·    Completed:
Standardized on secure wireless Mobile Communications solution for Safety Forces.
·    Completed:
Installed Internet content filtering and monitoring solution.
·    Completed:
Addressed Spam and Antivirus with new software solution and realized cost savings for City.  
·    Completed:
Surveillance cameras at Mentor High School and Great Lakes Mall brought on line to improve emergency response.
·    In Process:
Focus on enterprise architecture
·    In Process:
Proactive network monitoring and alerting tools.
·    In Process:
Auditing operations and network to address failover, load balance, and redundancy to increase continuity of operations.

Information Systems Services

·    Completed:
Haines Criss-Cross application migrated from client server to web, reducing license cost and desktop support.
·    Completed:
Successful implementation of Enterprise Applications
Fire – Building and Engineering – Police
·    Completed:
Developed at no cost, a City Intranet for internal document and information management.
·    Completed:
Implemented Electronic Help Desk for incident reporting and tracking, eliminating paper forms.
·    Completed:
Provided City with eMail Archiving solution that safeguards and manages electronic mail.
·    Completed:
Upgraded outdated eMail spam software with more robust virus firewall solution.
·    Completed:
Realigned departmental responsibilities to focus on continuous process improvement, documentation of workflow and better communications.
·    In Process:
Standardized on an secure, scalable enterprise wireless solution.
·    In Process:
Focus on information security and compliance initiatives (Red Flags, HIPAA)
·    In Process:
Provided technical and project management skills to assist departments with project implementation.
·    In Process:
Modify Help Desk software for incident reporting and tracking for Facilities use.

Strategic Services

·    Completed:
Data Center Green Initiatives
Reduced data center server footprint by 80%
Replaced outdated servers with ones more energy efficient
Reduction in total data center power consumption
·    Completed:
Disaster Recovery Plan
·    Completed:
Replaced end of life analog B&W copiers with digital MFP (multi functional printers – print / fax / scan / copy) devices, reducing consumables and print cost.
·    Completed:
Implemented technology standardization initiatives for operations, infrastructure, data and telecommunications networks.
·    In Process:
Continuously integrating intelligent applications and hardware to reduce paper consumption.
·    In Process:
Investigating use of AVL (automatic vehicle location) technology to assure our employees are safe and provide emergency dispatch best routes in winter for first responders.
·    In Process:
Centralizing GIS data and integrating City applications is one of our aspirations to provide information of value to departments and citizens.
·    In Process:
Continued to follow Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices

Telecommunication Services

·    Completed:
Reorganization to centrally manage City voice and data communications infrastructure.
·    Completed:
Broadband connections to remote Fire stations installed linking stations to City network.
·    Completed:
Broadband connections to City pools linking them to City network and allowing authentication of pool passes.
·    Completed:
Eliminated all remote dial in capabilities to network reducing unauthorized access to City network.
·    In Process:
Continuous auditing to provide most cost effective local and long distance services.
·    In Process:
Research and evaluate convergence (integration of voice and data communications applications) to ensure that the most efficient, technically sound and economical telecommunications services are offered.

Education Services

·    Completed:
Converted existing storage area to training facility for all departments to use.
·    Completed:
Realigned departmental responsibilities to focus on employee training and keep pace with changing technology