Ongoing technology initiatives for the Information Services Division include:

• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Pilot
  The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure pilot is intended to evaluate a complementary approach to our traditional desktop computer life-cycle strategy.  VDI separates the familiar desktop computer from a physical machine.  Typically, an end-user will receive a solid-state thin-client node that will connect to centralized computer resources.  The desktop operating system applications are run centrally on a computer server instead of at the local desktop computer.  Unlike traditional computers where one hardware computer is dedicated per end-user, VDI offers the ability to consolidate multiple virtual computers on a single central server.
  
  Although VDI services are a complement and not a complete alternative to desktop computers, the following are some of the benefits of VDI:
  • Rapid delivery and standardization of desktop services
  • Improved fault-tolerance and reduced time to repair services
  • More efficient use of storage, memory and CPU resources by pooling these resources into a central environment
  • Dynamic, on-the-fly allocation of key resources such as memory and processing power based on changing demands of virtual desktops
  • High availability clusters that are often able to redirect virtual desktops from a physical server that may be failing to another server, thereby minimizing or eliminating down-town of production services
  • Reduced deployment and management costs
  • Longer life-cycles
  • Remote connectivity
  • Reduced electrical costs and electronic waste
• Server Virtualization
  Server virtualization continues to be an integral strategy in managing and deploying central computer servers, with over 90% of our production services running in a virtual environment.  Via server virtualization, we are able to consolidate what would normally be separate hardware servers into centralized resources that offer key advantages over traditional stand-alone servers.  High performance, fault-tolerant network based storage systems (Storage Area Networks or SANs), along with IBM enterprize servers are key to supporting these services.  Although not all central computer services can be virtualized, the following are some of the benefits of this strategy:
  • Rapid delivery and standardization of computer servers
  • Improved fault-tolerance and reduced time to repair services
  • More efficient use of storage, memory and CPU resources by pooling these resources into a central environment
  • Dynamic, on-the-fly allocation of key resources such as memory and processing power based on changing demands of virtual servers
  • High availability server clusters that are often able to redirect virtual servers from a physical server that may be failing to another server, thereby minimizing or eliminating down-time of production services
  • Reduced electrical costs and electronic waste
  • Reduced impact to limited server room capacity
• iPad Feasibility Study
  In coordination with other City departments, an evaluation is being conducted to assess the potential benefits of using Apple iPads, including improved services for inspectors, project managers, and other staff in the field, as well as facilitating paper-reduction initiatives.
  
  The following are among the useful features of iPads:
  • Light, small form-factor conducive to use of the devices in the field
  • Quick and easy to use platform
  • Instant-on feature as opposed to waiting for a traditional notebook computer to start up
  • Extended battery life
  • Access to manual, reference material and other documentation
  • Graphical interface for viewing maps and GIS data
  • Remote connectivity to central computer services, including email and calendaring 
• Project Management Software as a Service (SaaS) Evaluation
  In coordination with other departments, Information Services is evaluating the use of online project management services to facilitate administrative, technical and construction related project management, providing dashboard type features to gauge the status of projects, and facilitate the interaction with external parties that are not part of the City network
• Design and Installation of Information Technologies Related Services for New Facilities
  In coordination with other City departments, Information Services is evaluating the IT related requirements for new facilities (Fire Station 177 and the proposed Public Works Service Center).  Among the areas typically evaluated are data network services, including wireless networking, fiber-optic and copper cabling infrastructure, central wiring closet requirements, audio visual services, computers, printers, and multi-function copiers.
• Network Upgrades
  As part of a life-cycle replacement strategy, Information Services is replacing aged network equipment at City Hall.  Additionally, improvements are being made in regards to network segmentation, security and management of resources.
• Computer Server Replacements
  As part of a life-cycle replacement strategy, Information Services is replacing aged central computer servers to maintain reliable and progressive services for our staff and community.  GIS, Finance/Purchasing, and development management (Accela Tidemark) servers are among those being replaced
• Storage Area Network Upgrades
  As part of a life-cycle replacement strategy, Information Services is replacing aged network file storage with high performance, fault-tolerant network based data storage systems (Storage Area Networks or SANs).  The SANs provide network based file storage for central computer applications, file storage for staff, and also host our virtual servers and virtual desktop services.
• Enterprise Applications Upgrades
  In coordination with other departments and vendors, Information Services is upgrading a variety of enterprise level applications including the following services:
  • Laserfiche imaging/document management
  • Fire District records management and staffing services
  • Tidemark development management
  • CLASS activities registration
  • IFAS finance, purchasing, and human resources services
  • Oracle database management