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Information technology
The significant task of deploying 900 new IBM desktop computers with an enhanced standard operating system to all staff was successfully completed in August 2005. The new machines were selected following the completion of an open tender process in June 2005 and provide the Department with a more robust and effective computing environment to meet its business needs over the next three to four years.
The annual IT client services survey undertaken in April 2006 again showed a high level of satisfaction with the provision of services. In the case of IT services, the overall satisfaction rating increased by two per cent on last year's result to 84 per cent, while voice services rating remained at 82 per cent. An area identified for review was external network responsiveness and this will be investigated during 2006–07 to determine how any issues could be addressed.
The Department's IT disaster recovery solution was fully implemented and tested during the reporting period. The solution provides the Department with complete replication ability for its critical business systems. A testing and maintenance schedule was also incorporated into the Department's IT operational procedures to ensure immediate deployment if necessary.
The Department also implemented a common application development environment, using standards-based software components, to develop and host a range of business systems. This environment will provide for more effective service delivery and efficiency in systems maintenance with reduced costs.
A review of the Department's communication systems requirements was undertaken during the year due to the ageing of the telephone system and a business need to provide a more integrated communications solution. The review indicated that a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) solution would be the most cost effective solution to address these requirements. An open tender process was undertaken during 2006 and BTAS Pty Ltd was contracted to provide the VOIP solution. The new system will be deployed in the second half of 2006.
A major technical upgrade was undertaken on the Department's financial system, SAP, which included migrating the system to new hardware with growth capacity to meet increasing business needs and upgrading the SAP software version to provide enhanced features and ongoing maintenance support.
The Department's Information Management Committee met on four occasions with the key focus being the oversight of medium to large IT projects, including the desktop hardware replacement, the uptake of the Department's electronic records management system (TRIM), the SAP financial system upgrade and implementation of a new budgeting and reporting tool.