The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) continually strives to improve City services by implementing sound, cost effective technology-based solutions that streamline processes, improve customer service, eliminate duplication of efforts, enhance productivity and provide better access to important information and services. To this end, an Information Technology Governance Committee (ITGC) was formed April 2010 chartered with reviewing any IT investment that has a total cost of ownership greater than $75,000 or any project that involves multi-departmentals or is an enterprises-wide project. The ITGC will ensure that technology is leveraged citywide in a manner that adapts to the business needs of all departments, and the demands of the community they serve. Given the current economic challenges, it is envisioned that technology will play an ever increasing role in the delivery of public service. DoIT has also been tasked to develop a survey to post on the City’s website to solicit ideas from the community regarding revenue enhancements and budget reductions and present to the City Council.
Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, DoIT provides service to City employees who rely on a dependable information and communications technology infrastructure to perform their duties in service to the community. Most noticeably, this support extends to the handheld and mobile radio communication devices that Police and Fire use daily in the deliverance of public safety. DoIT has also led the effort to create an Interagency Communications Interoperability System (ICIS), which is a digital radio system that will provide enhanced communication capabilities, such as a single tactical frequency for communications in daily operations and emergencies and the ability to have regional communication with other cities and support agencies.
DoIT manages the City’s 25-mile fiber backbone, which aside from providing City Internet access and links between City facilities for voice and data network services, it also provides data communications for local institutions such as Caltech and JPL and telecom providers that lease the fiber from the City. In addition, future opportunities for fiber optic and broadband usage are currently being explored and a Technology & Telecommunications element for adoption as part of the City’s General Plan in FY2011 is being developed in support of this goal. Along with the assessment of the fiber backbone, DoIT will develop a plan to identify and prioritize city services that can be moved to the web for access by businesses, residents and visitors 24/7.
Technical infrastructure provides the foundation for the business software that streamlines City operations and automates critical business functions. It includes the hardware, system software, databases, operating systems and network components that support Pasadena’s application architecture. DoIT’s effort is directed towards providing the City with a cost-effective, secure, responsive, and reliable computing environment to deliver City services.