The Information Technology Department (IT) provides computer, video, radio and voice communications services to all City Bureaus and Departments. These services include: Applications, Networks, Mobile and Technical Services.
Mobile Services installs and maintains approximately 2,700 pieces of inventoried electronic and computer equipment for the City’s 800 MHz analog, digital and digital encrypted trunked radio equipment, 900 MHz SCADA field and terminal radio equipment, and other emergency systems for the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments.
Application Services involves process analysis, computer programming, training and support of computer systems for the operations and reporting needs of departments.
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Network Services is responsible for the installation and support of the network infrastructure servicing over 100 locations. This includes location connectivity, electronics, premise wiring, and all the devices (switches, hubs, PC's, printers, terminals, phones, and computers) connected to the City’s network.
Technical Services installs all software and supports the servers and software which controls, measures, and tunes the computer and network environments. Technical Services also provides Help Desk support.
Major activity in 2006 included: support of the 311 service; implementation of a new VOIP phone system replacing approximately 900 Centrex lines; significant improvements in our network cabling, closets, and electronics; implementation of a new Recorder’s Court application which interfaces to County Jail, County Courts, and Police Records Management Systems; improvements to Property Maintenance and development Services Applications; continued work on the business case and selection of an ERP System to replace existing, fourteen year old Financial, Revenue, and HR applications; installation of video surveillance cameras in 20+ locations throughout the County; installation of computers in Patrol vehicles to allow Officers access to Sate and local data; the expansion of the 800MHz SmartZone radio network into Effingham County utilizing the SmartZone Switch and Control System owned by Savannah and Chatham County; progress on the Rebanding of our radio frequencies based on the FCC ruling involving Nextel interference with Public Safety frequencies
Work in 2007 will deal with the expansion, convergence and integration of voice, mobile, video and data on the City’s Networks. Radio Systems will extend further in Coastal Georgia; and the Rebanding effort will be substantially done.
The new phone system will be extended to another 300 phones; video surveillance will be extended into the Squares; more police vehicles will have PCs for data access.
We will have selected software to replace our Revenue and Financial Applications and will be in the process of implementing. The new software will expand our eGovernment services and allow for greater customer access to Utility Billing, Business Taxes, Property Tax Bills, via our web site. |
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