Wade Anderson Manager Information Technology
Address:	155 Deer Hill Avenue Danbury, CT 06810
Telephone:	203-797-4560

About Us: 

    In today’s economy, providing the uninterrupted flow of information internally and externally are critical elements to the success of any organization. The Department of Information Technology provides the tread for the Finance Team, every City department and to the City of Danbury. 

    The Information Technology Department is responsible for planning, design, and programming for all technology used in the City. In addition, the department is responsible for administering up-to-date operating standards and for the acquisition of all hardware and software used by the City. 

    Hardware forms the foundation for our operations. This is what most people identify as the information technology department. The Division uses a variety of large servers, running a virtualized operating system, to manage the Cities data. In addition to servers, we also use network attached storage (NAS) technology to actually house the data files and to provide back-up protection. Another large part of the hardware is the network that connects all the City’s buildings. This consists of fiber strung between five separate areas, plus an elaborate set of routers, switches and security devices that keep everyone talking. There is also a second tier of communication resources; DSL phone lines, Cable modems and the ever present security devices; that link the smaller offices into the City communication backbone. 

    Software is another large factor responsible for the Cities data processing operations. Our software is predominately provided by SunGard Public Sector. Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) is an area that touches the entire public safety operation and is considered the central nervous system of the Cities emergency response system. The financial systems are managed with software from JD Edwards. 

    The last portion of what people consider to be data processing is the equipment on the individual employees desktop. These machines are used on a constant basis by City employees and are the backbone of the work-flow through all departments. Another set of computers, that miss public viewing, are the Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) in almost every piece of Public Safety equipment. All Fire apparatus, all Ambulances, and all Police Vehicles are connected to the City network.



Our Accomplishments: 

    There continues to be significant progress made this past year in focusing on the needs of the residents in terms of technology in providing the best possible service. The Information Technology Division continues to improve the City’s nationally recognized Web site by raising the bar for on-line municipal customer service. It has been three years since the City web page was redesigned. We are planning a refresh project to basically give the site a new coat of paint. The last redesign effort was quite comprehensive and increased the sites usefulness a great deal, this time it will see a few small changes and perhaps a new color scheme. Also, look for enhanced options for accomplishing typical City Hall activities on-line. Key departments are looking to automate more of their daily functions whenever possible. We are trying to accommodate the need for more availability of City services and the flexibility of getting on the internet to take care of business. 

    The City’s new Police Station project started a few years ago and turned out to be a huge project for the Information technology Division. Decisions were required on almost every aspect of technology in the building. One of the main design points of the new building was enhanced technology. One of the main enhancements was to redesign the report writing application for the Police Officers. One of the challenges was to minimize the use of paper while providing access to more information. The police department produces a large number of reports; having that information accessible, but not necessarily on paper, is critical to the smooth operation of the department. Another area that was enhanced substantially was the dispatch office. This room is filled with computer equipment and has approximately 50 computer displays in total. The room is staffed 24/7/365 and is completely state-of-the–art. 

    The quantity of mail pieces sent from City Hall is immense. There are almost 200,000 pieces mailed annually for quarterly utility and annual tax bills alone. Even a small change in process or rate, perhaps only saving 1-2 cents per piece, quickly adds up to substantial savings. This project reviewed the City’s mailing practices, and found that there were several opportunities discovered for savings. These are scheduled to be implemented in time for the new fiscal year’s major mailings.