IT Professionals Day, which is Sept. 17, is meant to recognize the technical experts that make sure computer systems and other digital functions run smoothly. At the District, the Information Technology Bureau (ITB) team plays a crucial role in keeping systems running efficiently and safely, while also looking to the needs of the future.
Technology used at the District is highly data driven. For example, many staff use the Geographic Information System (GIS), which is a computer system that provides visual representation of geographic environments. The District’s engineering staff feed data into model simulations that can be analyzed to demonstrate how the physical environment may be impacted by environmental changes.
ITB staff are working toward reducing data-centered dependency. This is the process of transferring applications usually stored in physical computers on-site to a cloud-based system. These efforts ensure systems can be accessed from anywhere. For example, if staff had to evacuate for a storm, they still could access the information.
“This is to improve our overall resilience in the case of a major localized event so that our system availability is minimally impacted” said Tom Hughes, ITB chief.
In doing this, IT must look at a couple of factors. They ensure there are no performance issues and are attentive to cost.
“One of the questions that comes up frequently is ‘Why don’t we look at the cloud first?’ The idea behind the overall strategy is to include the cloud in the conversation without making it the default” Hughes said.
As artificial intelligence becomes more proficient, IT staff look to lean into this technology.
“We are looking at being able to safely access, analyze, and present data both internally and externally, while maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our data” Hughes said.
In addition, Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will eventually provide the ability to create more realistic meeting experiences where participants feel like they are in the room together. Hughes said this will enhance our teamwork and collaboration across the District. In addition, MR and VR will provide the ability to experience conservation initiatives and explore District lands in a whole new way.
“One day, these tools will become so normalized, it will become part of our normal existence.”