Pandemic: Are We Ready?
Recently, IOT joined forces with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to test a new concept for remote connectivity during a pandemic preparedness exercise. The project teamed Indiana Office of Technology (IOT), CISCO Systems, NETech, and Skycasters to create two separate portable field offices. The Satellite Office Systems' (SOS) capabilities are flexible and, once on site, can be set up in approximately an hour. Each unit is configured to support up to 14 IP phones, 14 hardwired data connections and one wireless access point. They are supported by generator power, satellite connectivity and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology.
"I was pleased with the overall results," said IDHS Communications Director Don West. "We had a few minor issues but overall, the technology performed much better than I expected."
During the three day testing period, the primary SOS, configured with 2.55mb download and 896k upload speeds, supported the test site's Emergency Operation Center (EOC) operating 28 laptops and 14 IP phones. The secondary SOS, outfitted with eight laptops and five telephones, supported the Mobile Command Center (MCC). This unit performed at configured speeds of 1.5mb download and 384 kb upload.
Many successful tests on various technologies were conducted during the exercise including video conferencing between the State EOC and MCC. The technological capability of the two units allow for various uses within state government.
"The purchase of this equipment was funded through Homeland Security," said West. "It is our intent that when not in use for Homeland Security activities, IOT can use the offices for other agencies as needs arise."
Have You Viewed Your IndianaMap Today?
Or, more to the point, have you ever heard of the IndianaMap? (Think Google Maps on steroids - in fact, most of the aerial photography shown by Google Maps for Indiana is a copy of one of the IndianaMap data layers.) The IndianaMap is a single statewide map that includes over 200 layers of information about Indiana, in a format that is accessible to both the general public and expert GIS (Geographic Information System) users. These layers include color aerial photography, voting districts, historic canal routes, national natural landmarks, wetlands, and earthquake epicenters, to name a few, packaged with an easy to use on-line viewer for the casual map maker and the ability to download the data for use with professional level GIS software.
This extensive public resource is free to the citizens of Indiana and is made possible by over a dozen collaborators. It can be accessed at www.indianamap.org .
"One map for Indiana. It's statewide, it's regional, it's local - it's yours!"
State of IN.gov Presentation on 12/10 @ 1 p.m.
The 2008 State of IN.gov presentation will be held December 10, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the IGCS Auditorium. This year's presentation will include a quick recap of the IN.gov Program's efforts and accomplishments over the past 12 months as well as details about IN.gov's 2009 goals .
To sign up for reminder e-mails about the 2008 State of IN.gov Presentation, please visit the IN.gov Update & Presentations section on the IOT Web site .
Personal Privacy: Forewarned is Forearmed
Conducting personal business online, places you at risk for thieves to obtain your sensitive personal information. The following tips will help you manage your personal information:
- Review website privacy statements prior to providing personal information.
- When shopping online, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar.
- Ensure that your Internet browser settings (e.g. Security and Privacy) are adequate for your level and type of Internet activity.
- Use virus, anti-spyware, and adware protection software from reliable companies, and keep the protective software updated.
- Be sure to have a firewall installed and enabled on your computer.
- Private data stored on your laptop or other portable electronic devices (e.g. USB) should be encrypted to protect it in the event the device is lost or stolen.
- Use strong passwords on all your accounts, such as a minimum of eight characters and a mix of special symbols, letters and numbers.
- Always question someone who is asking you to reveal any personal information.
- When discarding documents with personal information, tear or shred them.
- Order a copy of your free annual credit report.
