The Information Technology Department has a long history of accomplishments. The following highlights our top work that benefits the City departments and residents.
2012 - Top Ten Highlights
My Utilities Account (MUA) Enhancements - Added self-service management feature with My Utilities online portal to allow customers to turn off service online. Enhanced credit card payment feature, clarity of error messages and notification to increase user friendliness for customers.
City of Palo Alto Open Data platform – Implemented world-class platform for publishing data stored by the City in a form that anyone can easily access and use. Platform supports transparency and accountability for departments. Data is available for developers to build useful applications for the community.
Security process for new online applications – Implemented new rigorous process for evaluating the security of online City application and associated forms to help support the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information stored and used by City applications provided over the Internet.
New telephones - Implemented new state-of-the art telephone system that provides higher reliability, new features, and lower power consumption.
New network – Implemented a new, high-speed Cat 6E network for the City.
Microsoft Windows 7 and Office 2010 upgrades - Upgraded from Windows XP and Office 2003 to Windows 7 and Office 2010. This upgrade brings the City up to current versions and adds new features and capabilities for the staff.
Implemented new technology in support of new art center - Launched the new Art Center with new Avaya VoIP phone system, new computers, and Wi-Fi. Introduced top-of-the-line laptops in a new computer lab to support Project Look, which teaches kids art in the form of technology.
Launched redesigned website - As a result of the three-year engagement with public Website Advisory Committee (WAC), site was launched in Beta for sixty days to collect public feedback which was incorporated into the design prior to launch.
Developed City IT strategy - Developed a 3-year overall City IT strategy, which included the creation of a new, innovative operating model for City IT. As a complement, we also created a new GIS strategy, an information security strategy, and a data center strategy.
Open budget – Designed and co-developed a highly innovation budget visualization and open financial platform called Open Budget.
2011 - Top Ten Highlights
Citywide CalPERS interface: Established payroll, medical and retiree enrollment interfaces with a new web based CalPERS system to provide faster and more reliable service to CalPERS customers. The new web based platform will extend the self-service capabilities, offering flexible and responsive services for all CalPERS business partners.
Citywide Council Chambers Technology Upgrade: Two High Definition projectors and a new sound system were installed in the City Council Chambers, greatly improving the sound and clarity of speakers and presentations.
Citywide Facilities Energy Conservation Management: Established interfaces between SAP and an external Environmental and Energy Management partner HARA to track City conservation, greenhouse emissions and electricity usage at facility level to enable departments to compare actual data with set goals.
Citywide Windows 7 and Office 2010 Readiness Assessment: Each and every department’s desktop PC and applications were tested for Windows 7 compatibility and a migration plan developed. City Staff was surveyed to define needed training requirements for this migration
Citywide Wireless Access: Installed wireless network access points in twenty two public locations including Civic Center, Libraries, Lucille Stern, Art Center and Landfill
Fire Mobile Data Computers: Deployment of Mobile Data Computers to Palo Alto Fire vehicles and ambulances as well as Stanford Police cars for Public Safety. Deployment of tablets and Wireless Access Points in new ambulances.
Police Department Mobile Emergency Operating Center (MEOC): Providing a ‘docking’ area with full connectivity for the MEOC to use as a backup facility for the 911 communications center on the ‘A’ level of City Hall.
Public Safety Damage Assessment Application: A free Android mobile application that enables the public the collection of disaster data damage for any address in the City of Palo Alto. It integrates mapping with reporting capabilities. Click to download the Damage App
Public Safety Vehicle Tracking: Equipped public safety units with mapping capabilities including real-time incident and vehicle tracking.
Public Works Street Works Web-Page: An on-line map providing live access to street work and repairs.
