About us: 

Providing an uninterrupted flow of information internally and externally are critical elements to the success of any organization.  The City of Danbury’s Information Technology Division provides the tread for the entire Finance Team and every city department.

The Information Technology Division is responsible for the planning, design, and programming of all technology used by city offices including the Police and Fire Departments.  In addition, the division is responsible for administering up-to-date operating standards and for the acquisition of all hardware and software used by city offices.

          The Division uses a variety of large servers to manage the city’s 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 our system 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 connected.  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’s communication backbone.

          Software is another large factor responsible for the city’s information technology operations.  Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) is considered the central nervous system of the city’s emergency response system.  The financial systems are managed with software from JD Edwards. 

          The last portion of what people consider to be information technology is the equipment on each individual employee’s desktop.  These machines are used on a constant basis by city employees and are the backbone of the flow of information to all departments.  Another set of computers that are out of the public’s view 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 this network.

 


Our accomplishments: 

           There continues to be significant progress in addressing the needs of residents in terms of information access.  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.  Refresh projects have taken place and will continue to provide more up-to-date looks and access.  We also will continue to focus on providing enhanced options for accomplishing typical City Hall activities on-line.

           After reviewing the city’s mailing practices our division found that there were several opportunities for savings. The quantity of mail pieces sent from City Hall is immense.  There are nearly 200,000 pieces mailed annually for quarterly utility and annual tax bills alone.  Even a small change in the process or rate, perhaps only saving 1-2 cents per piece, quickly adds up to substantial savings.  This division will continue to focus on information technology progress; implementing the most efficient service possible for the benefit of our residents and visitors of our website.