The Information Technology Department's function is to provide and assist departments in creating innovative solutions to meet customer requirements. The department is taking a leadership role in providing a strategic IT orientation, assessing and acquiring appropriate technology, and looking for opportunities to use information technology to provide improved levels of service to the public. Information Technology is responsible for supporting the primary information resources and architecture needed to provide access to use these information assets.

Personal Computers and Work Stations
In the County Building, there are over 100 personal computers, 15 display terminals, 5 laptop computers, and over 25 printers are implemented throughout County departments with all of them accessing the county's computer network. The majority of the County inventory consists of IBM brand personal computers running Microsoft Windows NT. While a number of terminals remain in service, the network-connected PC is well established as the primary access point to County information systems resources based on midrange systems and network servers. Information Technology installs, maintains, and provides ongoing user support for all of the computer hardware, software, and peripherals at the user's desktop.

Networks
Access to all County information resources is provided through an enterprise network architecture. Most departments are linked using 100 mbps fast ethernet switches. This interconnectivity facilitates efficient use of information resources and also serves as a key communications resource by extending electronic mail capabilities to a majority of County employees. Windows NT products constitutes the foundation of the County's network environment, supporting network links to one primary local area network in the County's government complex. A firewall protects the computer network from outside influences. For security reasons, the specifics of the firewall have been intentionally left off of this web site. Information Technology is responsible for maintaining a secure and stable network environment which is flexible and scaleable to meet the changing needs of County users.

Host Systems
Two IBM AS/400 Server computer systems are in place supporting many of the critical County functions including: Finance/Budget/Payroll, District Court, Circuit Court, Probate/Family Court, Register of Deeds, and smaller applications. One of these IBM AS/400s is used exclusively for providing online access to land records information over the Internet. This service can be found under the County Services directory on this web site. Information Technology's commitment to host based systems includes operational support, system enhancement, and planning for future systems.

Office Automation
The County has committed to Microsoft Windows NT/2000, Corel WordPerfect Suite (word processing, presentations), Lotus (spreadsheet, database), and Lotus Notes as the standard for desktop solutions for a majority of employees. Information Technology provides support and education to assist County employees with the effective use of these products.

Future Directions
Information Technology serves as a consultant and strategic partner to all County departments to develop technical solutions in support of business functions. The information technology environment continues to evolve towards increased openness and integration between systems. This translates into the potential for increased productivity through effective implementation of investments in technology. Technology initiatives currently in progress include: projects for imaging and work flow technology, expansion of Internet utilization to improve public access to County information, and the integration of Emmet County information residing on its network servers with the Internet.