February Minutes

ITAC MEETING MINUTES
For February 15, 2007

Attendees:
Frieda Artis, Reggie Brown, John Killebrew, Darryl McGraw, Robert Michaud, Shannon Schelin

Wake County:
Angela Strickland, Velvadine Wallace, Lib Wanner

The meeting began at 9 a.m. Lib Wanner welcomed everyone to the group and briefly discussed the agenda for today’s meeting. She stated that Angela Strickland would be providing an overview of Wake County’s Electronic Workplace.

ELECTRONIC WORKPLACE:
Angela Strickland gave a brief overview of the Electronic Workplace that is provided by Wake County Government. Lib asked the committee if they are using LDAP (Lightweight Directory Active Protocol) or Active Directory. Darryl replied that the RBC uses active directory for their PCs. Lib stated that most users love the single sign-off but it is an issue for security purposes. Darryl replied that Wake Technical College started off changing their passwords every 30 days, and now they have extended it to every 56 days, using 8-character passwords. John Killebrew stated that MCNC has experienced issues w/single sign-off and has had to tighten its passwords, which require changes every 45 days.

Lib then asked the committee if they have used Tivoli Identity Manager. Darryl replied that they use Open Source. Robert stated that they use a blended environment (Lotus Notes version 7.0 & Microsoft Office). He stated that their network access is single sign-off, also. Angela asked Robert if Lotus Notes version 7.0 is workable. Robert replied that they have had issues with the server but have not determined if it was related to hardware or software issues. Angela then asked Robert if they had any plans to look at release 8. Robert replied no, but it may be on the agenda in the next few years.

Angela asked the committee if they had any experience with document management or imaging. Darryl replied they use Sneaker Net, Norton Ghost, and have bid on Altiris to manage their PCs. Lib asked Darryl what is Altiris? Darryl’s reply was Altiris is software that allows you to create and save images for all machines. Lib then stated that she was particularly interested in turning paper documents into images. Darryl stated that they use Hershey Systems to streamline paperless documents and to image data. Reggie stated that they use Corfax and Acorda. Lib stated that Wake County would be interested in using Corfax and asked Reggie to forward her this information.

Lib offered the suggestion of Alfresco, which is an open-source enterprise content management system, to the group, and no one had used this management system.

Angela than asked the committee about handheld devices. Darryl and Reggie replied that they use the Blackberry for cell phones and push to talk. Robert stated that they use standard cell phones.

Lib asked the group what their companies were doing for remote computing in case of a pandemic strike occurs. Darryl stated that they have an ASA box, which allows them virtual private network. Lib asked if they thought it would be a good idea to set up more staff with VPN access to plan for an event like this. John stated that MCNC uses VPN for operational support. Reggie suggested token changes.

Angela asked the committee what other technology they are using. John replied that have use different collaboration tools: Elluminate and Centra. He stated that both of these are used widely for conferencing tools. Shannon stated that Elluminate is a fantastic product and is used at Duke University. John stated that many universities are buying these two products. John stated that he preferred using a headset, versus teleconferencing. Angela asked John how long they have been using this product. John replied the university has used Elliminate for 2 years as a pilot program.

Angela then asked what major services Wake County should extend to the citizens. Lib stated that for meetings, should we meet directly, have focus groups for services, or provide a variety of topics and offer this tool. Darryl stated that there is a smaller portion of citizens who do not have PCs in their possession, so Wake County should not be limited from this possibility. Robert stated that they should have both options available -- that way no one would be excluded -- and possibly have a library archive. John stated that they could consider Stream (Windows media) and add audio integration such as the meet-me conference bridge. Shannon stated that the trend now is virtual world. She stated that they are now investigating ways to use it for simulations, role playing and training, but the citizens may not be in favor of it yet. She also suggested that Wake County could create an Avatar, which is what the younger generation is using. Shannon offered to forward this link to Lib for an alternative option.

Darryl stated that at Wake Tech, they use SMS text messaging to get information from the college about special events. Shannon stated that the School of Government uses it, also. Robert stated that they could also add a self registry on Wakegov.com to list subjects of interest, which could be force-fed to provide information -- for example, the chemical fire in Apex. Shannon stated that the Town of Cary is rolling out automatic meter reading, which will alert the public on an LED device. Robert then stated that there is a phone line service for $10 per month that will allow older citizens to receive e-mails and the ability to print them out. Lib stated that this fits in with the demographic plans for the county.

2006 ITAC Progress Report:
Lib asked the committee if they all received the e-mail that was sent regarding the 2006 ITAC Progress Report. She stated that both Shannon and Niamh have agreed with the report and wanted to know if they had any changes. There were no changes from the group. Lib stated that we would send this report to the Clerk ot the Board of Commissioners (Susan Banks).

Reggie then briefly discussed suggested topics with the group for the remainder of the year. Everyone was in favor of the topics.

Angela asked the committee if they had any other suggestions, questions or comments. There were none. Meeting adjourned at 9:58 a.m.