Information Technology Department Organization
In the past year, the department has created a new Community Mental Health (CMH) Team. The position of Programmer/Analyst, previously assigned to the Applications and Data Team was upgraded to a CMH IT Coordinator. This position reports to the IT Director. An additional position of CMH Programmer was created.
CMH IT Team
The CMH IT team maintains existing applications and develops new applications specific to the needs of the Community Mental Health Department. They identify needs, develop alternatives and create solutions to problems through knowledge of departmental functions, processes and capabilities. Working with other IT Staff, the team develops solutions that may involve a combination of software, hardware and procedures.
User Services Team
The User Services team delivers Help Desk, Computer Operations, Hardware/Software
Installation and Computer Training services to County employees. This group
rotates between Help Desk/Computer Operations and on-site level II support
roles. They support a broad range of technology: personal computers, all
associated hardware and software, networking, and servers. This group also
provides the preponderance of computer training for County employees. The
primary purpose of the IT User Services team is to ensure that County employees
have dependable equipment, responsive support and the knowledge to use technology.
Applications & Data Team
The Applications and Data team maintains existing applications and develops
new applications. This group also performs project/life-cycle management
for software and systems. Within the Applications & Data team, Programmer/Analysts
identify needs, develop alternatives and create solutions to problems through
knowledge of departmental functions, processes and capabilities. Working
with other IT Staff, the team develops solutions that may involve a combination
of software, hardware and procedures. Programmers support these efforts
by using software tools to create software solutions.
Technology & Infrastructure
The Technology & Infrastructure team installs and maintains the Servers
and Voice and Data Networks. They are responsible for providing centralized
platforms and appropriate access to County systems and data. The balance
between convenience and security of systems, data and software is one of
the most challenging issues faced in responding to customer demands. Staying
on top of technology trends through research and evaluation is essential
for planning and deploying technology that will enhance access, improve
operations and assure security. With the transfer of the Telecommunications
position into the department, IT has also assumed the role of managing not
only the phone system but the audiovisual technology for the County.
Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a department started in the fourth
quarter of 1999. GIS provides access to Ottawa County’s information
using the latest in information technology to improve the delivery and quality
of government services. The advances in technology and the requirements
of a more informed citizenry have increased the need for development of
an enhanced access / informational delivery system. Our goal is to enable
county-wide accessibility to GIS technology, data and procedures to support
the County Departmental business functions. In addition, GIS educates County
Departments, external agencies and Local Units of Government on how to use
GIS as a tool that can increase efficiency and thereby enhance service to
the public and economic advantage to the County as a whole. The role of
GIS is unique in providing a specific function not only to County Departments,
but to customers outside of the County organization.
