IT 2004 Annual Report

 

The IT Department is responsible for selecting, implementing, maintaining, supporting and updating all things technology related within the Town, including Pubic Safety, Public Works and all of the Town Departments, including the School Department. 

Our efforts spill well beyond the bounds of computers and servers.  Thanks to the technology revolution the IT Department has morphed from a computer department to a technology department.  Our responsibilities now include copiers, fax machines, security systems, video systems, phone systems, websites, GIS and more.  These responsibilities will continue to grow.

An exciting development this year has been the start of building a fiber optic network to replace our overloaded cable based WAN. The East Longmeadow network consists of a Microsoft NT enterprise servicing all Town and School buildings. It remains one of the largest and most advanced enterprise networks in Massachusetts for a municipality of its size. All desktop clients will share 10 mbps fiber Internet access, Exchange e-mail and direct access to appropriate functional services.

During 2004, the East Longmeadow computer system attained a size of 27 servers and approximately 1300 clients. Software packages to run accounting, assessor, payroll, police/fire, school, tax and utility billing were maintained and upgraded. Key servers and clients have been upgraded to more powerful hardware to reflect their mission critical role. The COA lab has been rebuilt with 8 workstations now available for our seniors’ use.

Other highlights for the year 2004 include continuing detailed systems documentation, implementing policies and procedures, and development of strategic, security and data storage plans.