5/28/08 Completion of World-Class Statewide Data Network Highlights CITS Year End Accomplishments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, May 28, 2008
CONTACT: JAMES MILLER, (850) 921-5266
~Highlights include greater efficiencies for state government, improved resources for emergency responders and improvements to citizen services~
TALLAHASSEE- Communications and Information Technology Services (CITS) Deputy Secretary Terry L. Kester today announced the division's 2007 Year in Review. Establishing the state's world-class data network, updating to a more efficient long distance voice network, signing all 67 counties to the state's emergency responder interoperability network and providing cost-effective solutions to state-run citizen services highlighted the division's accomplishments this fiscal year.
"I am extremely proud of the hard work and commitment from our team in providing world-class products, services and customer service," said Deputy Secretary Kester. "Our mission is to provide customers with the best technology at affordable prices so they can focus on their core responsibilities and save taxpayer money ."
The biggest accomplishment for CITS was the migration of all state customers to MyFloridaNet (MFN), the new state-of-the-art data transportation network. This migration means increased capacity and security without increased costs to taxpayers. MFN enables the state's technology to run more efficiently while allowing for communications services to evolve as the state's needs change. It also improves network capabilities for more than 100,000 state employees and emergency responders without increasing costs, providing each group with a significantly larger and cost-effective private dedicated data network.
"MyFloridaNet is making a significant difference for all our customers who are experiencing its benefits," said Director of Telecommunications and Wireless Services Charles Ghini. "We've only scratched the surface of what it can do in improving efficiency in all areas of state government."
The CITS team also created efficiencies and cost savings this year in long distance services. One of the division's older services, voice long distance, went through a significant updating process providing increased capacity and features. This multi-year project reached its first significant milestone by eliminating the older seven-digit dialing plan in favor of the cost-effective ten-digit plan. In doing so, CITS disconnected older and costly phone lines, making the overall long distance network cheaper to operate. This resulted in $1.5 million in cost avoidance passed on to customers from a recent rate reduction and opened the door for future reductions.
All 67 counties joined the Florida Interoperability Network (FIN), the state's interoperability radio tool that allows emergency responders to communicate with each other on dissimilar radio systems and frequencies. FIN connects law enforcement, fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, the FBI, the U.S. Navy and the Florida National Guard to coordinate emergency responses. In years past, emergency workers had to use their phones to reach other jurisdictions during a crisis. With FIN, emergency crews utilize an intercom-based network allowing for faster communications between dispatch centers. FIN also uses software connecting otherwise incompatible radio systems allowing counties to coordinate locally.
The Florida Operation Wireless 2-1-1 Team developed a cost-effective solution to standardize how wireless calls are routed to 2-1-1 call centers throughout the state. Bringing together various SUNCOM technologies created an innovative system saving the state more than $500,000. The 2-1-1 system serves as a lifeline for some citizens by providing them information about critical resources such as emergency financial assistance, crisis hotlines, shelters, employment opportunities and more. The Davis Productivity Awards recognized the team with one of its highest levels of recognition available for their efforts.
For more information on Communications and Information Technology Services, please visit: www.dms.MyFlorida.com/cits.
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