January 2008

Training Issues

Discussions took place about the Knowledge Base Coordinator position that has been vacant since Kathie Casas retired in June 2007. As a result of CAS voicing a need for local, personalized technical training during the last Joint Technology meeting (early in 2007), a training subcommittee was created. The training subcommittee met on May 2007 to discuss needs and issues about technical training at CTA. A follow-up meeting has not yet occurred due to CSO scheduling issues. Jim Clark requested that CSO re-evaluate the members that were placed on this committee and replace them if necessary to ensure that the 2nd training subcommittee meeting occurs in the near future.

Thames Kral, the manager of ISSD, is currently evaluating the vacant position of the Knowledge Base Coordinator (that was held by Kathie Casas). That vacancy is expected to remain open until a determination has been made on how CTA will manage future technical training. Management agreed to discuss an interim process for getting CAS members technical training – we will share any additional information with you as soon as it becomes available.

Software

1) Windows Vista and Office 2007

When the new computers are deployed (expected in late 2009), new software will include Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. All internal applications are currently being tested by ISSD for compatibility purposes. Please contact TechSupport with any specific concerns about Vista or Office 2007.

2) Eletronic GLS and VSL Forms

CAS inquired about the status of the GLS and VSL online forms. Discussions have begun with Legal about the GLS form, but are on hold until the new Legal manager is hired. The new VSL report has a current target date of June 2008 (please note that the target date may change to accommodate other projects).

Hardware Issues:

1) Dell Equipment Problems

It was brought to the attention of the Committee that there have been quite a few Dell desktop system failures in the area of the system boards and hard drives. The ISSD Supervisor stated that there were some known hard drives and mother board issues with the Dell desktop; however, this has been addressed on a case-by-case basis via CTA’s next-day support agreement with Dell.

ISSD advised CSO and CAS to remind their members to do frequent backups on the I:\drive. It is recommended to start the backup and the end of the day and let it run overnight.

CSO requested that ISSD test out Second Copy software for backup of files and would like ISSD to consider including the software as a standard application with the future deployment of equipment. Management committed having ISSD look into testing the software and reporting back to the Committee. ISSD pointed out that there is a backup utility built into Windows XP, and recommended that customers consider that program before purchasing non-supported backup software.

ISSD reported that there are no plans on replacing current equipment until the fourth quarter of 2009. Management expressed that there are several factors driving this decision:

• Stability of the current Windows XP systems
• Interest in letting Windows Vista mature, and letting developers improve supporting programs (anti-virus, etc.)
• Cost

2) Color scanning / printers

CAS inquired about replacing the black and white scanners and/or some color printers for color copiers. Management replied that this would not be cost effective with the current generation of color copiers, but they will continue to evaluate future products. Anyone with a problematic inkjet printer is encouraged to notify TechSupport, who has been working on replacing the inkjets with color laser printers on a case-by-case basis.

3) DVD-RW drives (to burn/copy DVDs)

CSO requested that CTA consider adding the capability of copying DVDs to CTA’s standard system configuration, as organizers and service center councils are increasingly experiencing a need for this service. Management expressed that DVD-RW drives would only be issued if there is a strong, long-term business need. In the meantime, staff should contact TechSupport with any DVD duplication requests.

Document Management Project

Software requirements have been defined and completed. Project with Risk Management is on target and to be completed by June 2008. The Document Management is built on four components:

• Microsoft SharePoint (document retrieval)
• Microsoft CRM (allows to attach data to members)
• Microsoft BIZ Talk (middle ware solution allows to integrate multi language systems for data mining)
• K2 Workflow Application (branching logic; CTA is complex on how we do our business. This application follows documents throughout the workflow.

Unified Messaging Strategy

CTA has begun a long-term project to integrate our network, computers, and phones to expand access to:

• E-mail
• Fax
• Voice Mail
• Video Conferencing

Natomas is currently using the Cisco Unity System as a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) solution. The next two offices that are scheduled for VOIP are Santa Fe Springs Headquarters and Burlingame Headquarters. CTA has budgeted additional funds in 2008-2009 to step up VOIP deployment throughout the state.

Thanks,
Yolanda Mogannam, Chair
Bob Quance
CAS Joint Technology Committee