NETWORK

The Network Division provides design, management and maintenance services for the City's extensive system of  networks and network-based applications.   Following are some of the activities performed by the Network division of IT:

FIBER OPTIC NETWORK  
Network personnel will oversee the final series of fiber optic installation by AT&T by the end of 2000.  All City buildings have been interconnected  with fiber cabling. Development of this metropolitan area network is made possible by services required by the City's cable franchise. 

VIRUS PROTECTION
Virus scanning software is installed on our file servers and Workstations.  This software interactively scans files to detect viruses as the files are used.  When a virus is detected, the system automatically repairs the file by cleaning the virus, then notifies both the user and IT staff  of a potential problem.  This software is updated regularly to provide a high level of protection for our information systems from the threat of virus attack .

ADVANCED HIGH-SPEED NETWORK BACKBONE  
An advanced high speed 1 gigbit network connects the City's downtown core facilities including City Hall,  Armory,  Central Library, Public Works, Police Headquarters, and the Polk County Administration Building.  This network provides speed and reliability for all users in these facilities.  Internal networks in those buildings have been moved to a completely switched environment, with 100 MBPS connections provided at desktops.  Core servers consist of high-reliability, high-storage units. 

ACCESS TO INTERNET
All employees connected to the network have access to the Internet. 

E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS
Our Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 provides enterprise-wide electronic communications for City employees. This system allows City staff to maintain and share calendars, schedule meetings and search an E-mail directory of City employees.  E-mail has  been extended to more than 400 employees and is the most popular service provided by the Network Division. Web Outlook is available for all City employees from home

SERVER BACKUP
We currently have two Enterprise Backup tape systems installed which are scheduled to automatically backup the more than 90 file servers that  the IT department maintains on a daily basis.  An off-site storage facility is used to provide additional redundancy.