October 28,1999

 Agenda Item #1 - Welcome and Introductions

Minutes were accepted as written.

Attendees were identified-- see table at end of minutes

Agenda Item #2 - Information Technology Services

 Several members of ITS provided valuable updates on projects or activities of ITS.

Linda Plazak reported on the successful completion of several activities relating to the State's entrance into data warehousing. A target date of late December for installation of the hardware and software has been set.

Linda also reported on a Technology Showcase set for December 15-16 to be held at the Polk County Convention Center. The Showcase will offer a Business and Government Education track. Linda requested that participants identify by week's end any possible technology projects that they believe could be demonstrated at the Showcase. Topics for presentation that would appeal to government staff were also requested. For more information on the Showcase contact Linda at Linda.Plazak@its.state.ia.us.

Kip Peters reported on the meetings that are occurring within State Government in regards to enterprise security planning. Kip indicated that, with a couple of exceptions, each of the work groups had met twice and although the Y2K efforts are affecting the time availability of key staff that progress was being made.

Kip also reported on the progress being made on a recent initiative in which identification and access badges are being investigated. Agencies with specific needs in this area were encouraged to contact Kip.

Finally, Kip reported on the availability of funds for completion of an enterprise-wide architecture risk assessment. Questions can be referred to Kip at Kip.Peters@its.state.ia.us.

Wes Hunsberger reported on the completion by ITS of the Y2K Contingency plan for statewide IT operations. In conjunction with the completion of the plan, ITS will be issuing a letter to each agency indicating the hours or planned outages during the century date conversion.

Wes also reported on the initiation by Emergency Management Division of planning for completion of a Terrorism Preparedness Strategic Plan. A two-day work shop is to be held on November 9-10 and agencies should have been contacted to identify representatives to attend.

For information on these topics or other strategic planning initiatives, contact Wes at Wes.Hunsberger@its.state.ia.us.

Lisa Andersen spoke on the benefits of Gartner Group subscription and encouraged that agencies who are completing research on vendor selection or technology planning to use the service. For additional assistance on the use of the Gartner Group resources contact Lisa at

Lisa.Andersen@its.state.ia.us.

Jim Day reported on the successful completion of an enterprise-wide licensing agreement for Oracle Software, the contract number is 2587. According to Jim, significant savings can be achieved through use of the contract.

Jim also reported that leasing of PC equipment with vendors under the current contract has been approved. For information on either item contact Jim at Jim.Day@its.state.ia.us.

Agenda Item #3 - Iowa Communications Network

Mike Bacino and Tony Crandell were present to answer any questions of the ICN; however, there were no special reports to be made.

Agenda Item #4 - Information Technology Transition Team

Due to scheduling conflicts representatives of transition team were unable to attend. Following a brief discussion within the ITMC, it was agreed that a request should be made of Rich Varn to brief the ITMC on the recommendations and the next steps that will occur in the process.

Agenda Item #4 - Other Issues and Membership Discussion

Time was dedicated to a discussion of member’s ideas as to how the meetings of the ITMC could be enhanced and how membership attendance could be improved. A number of suggestions were made including:

· Reviewing the list of designated agency representatives to determine accuracy

· Updating mailing lists

· Providing staffing for the ITMC through cooperation with agencies and vendors

· Requesting Vendors to market the ITMC when they make calls upon agencies

· Providing a specific list of topics that would be covered as compared to agency reports

· More timely distribution of minutes and meetings

Rich Jacobs asked that members submit other ideas to him at Richard.Jacobs@idrf.state.ia.us.

In the roundtable discussion the following comments were offered:

Judy Pawell reported on the implementation of Groupwise as DNR’s Email system. The comment resulted in the identification by Erwin Erickson of the State Auditor's Office of a similar initiative. Tim McLaughlin of Department of Inspections and Appeals offered that Groupwise was implemented successfully in DIA.

Leon Schwartz encouraged ITMC members to actively market among their organizations the technology series entitled "Get In The Loop." Sponsored by the Department of Personnel and Office of Information Technology Services, the six forums are "geared for managers, supervisors or anyone responsible for how technology interfaces will work." Personnel from the business and technical sides of each organization are encouraged to attend. The sessions and dates are:

October 28-- Bits and Bytes

November 18--Linking Your Agency’s IT Needs with the Enterprise IT Strategy

December 16--Implementing "Technology Etiquette"-The Dos and Don'ts of the New Techno- Department

January 2--Discovering Technology Tools for the New Millennium

February 17--Revealing the Force of Microsoft Office 2000

March 16--Integrating Multimedia & Distributed Learning

For registration information, contact the Personnel Development Seminars at 515-281-6720. The remaining sessions are $50 each and will be held in Des Moines.

Berri Balka, Manager of Iowaccess Network introduced himself and offered to come to make a presentation on the status of network at the November meeting. In the meantime, Berri can be contacted at Berri@iowaccess.org

Dan Broderick of Silicon Plains Technology mentioned that a successful completion of a Internet based application will be the demonstration project at the Des Moines Library on November 2. The application developed with DIA will allow for the review of Nursing Home inspection reports.

Judy Peters reported on the use of Lotus Notes in Iowa Workforce for Call Center Application. Judy also indicated that IWD is willing to offer assistance and advice in the use of Knowledge Management applications and MQ Series. Contact Judy at Judy.A.Peters@iwd.state.ia.us.

Dawn Connett discussed the forum to be presented on February 2, 2000 by the Iowa Software Association. Dawn also indicated that December will be recognized as State Information Technology month. Dawn encouraged ITMC members to visit the Iowa Software Associations web site at www.iasoft.org.

Nancy Haigh discussed services that were under development by the State Library. First, is the development of a web based interface to a number of subscription databases. Second, is the development of a web based distribution of documents to libraries across the state. Agencies who furnish documents to the State Library will be contacted in the near future regarding the possibility of providing the information in electronic format. Contact Nancy at nhaigh@mail.lib.state.ia.us.

Minutes Prepared By

Rich Jacobs