Enfield, Conn., CIO Paul Russell lists his top 5 priorities, including always-on data access, security, and maximization of video and VOIP.
Paul Russell is the CIO
of the town of Enfield,
Conn.
He and three network operations staff manage the towns recently converged
unified communications network, which services all of Enfields
K-12 schools and more than 1,200 town employees. Below are the issues topping
Russell's priority list.
1. Build on Our Solid Foundation
Last year, the town approved our plan to significantly upgrade
our network infrastructure to support a modern, unified communications plan. We
started with our K-12 school system. In three weeks time, while our school
system was on summer vacation, we swapped out 4,000 ports and had an upgraded
network that was ready to support IP telephony by the time students returned
for the school year.
2. Provide Always-On Data Access
This year, we will continue to implement strategies to support
increasing demand for always-on, highly available data and operations-critical
applications, as well as the ability to share data among our police, fire and EMS
departments.
3. Keep It Secure
With so much data residing on the network, my team must
maintain security to protect information without end users being limited in
access. We chose a vendor whose networking solution offered us granular
visibility and built-in security at every level, rather than bolted-on security
after the fact.
4. Do Business Online
The ability for Enfield
residents to view their property tax information, apply for a permit or
license, or view town meeting minutes is now a reality. Wed like to take it a
step beyond these basic services. For example, wed like to use this new
infrastructure for more technology training in the towns education
system.
5. Maximize VOIP and Video
Now that we have this new infrastructure, we are exploring the
use of multiple modes of communications to cost-effectively manage all the
departments. Cutting costs associated with interdepartmental communications
will help us address other increased financial constraints beyond our
controlsuch as state budget cuts.