Marketing

Marketing and incentives are very important for the success of your online services. Agency commitment is vital in ensuring the high adoption of an electronic service. Comprehensive internal and external marketing are also critical to continue to meet customer needs and expectations.

We understand that your budget for service marketing is probably small (if any), and we have experience in developing creative marketing ideas that are free or very low cost. Over the years, we have found that reaching out to your known customer groups through existing events, publications, newsletters, routine mailings, etc., is very effective. Such targeted marketing efforts to your known customer groups are more effective than large scale and often costly broad advertising campaigns.

Marketing an online service includes:

* Identify target markets
* develop and educate customers
* educate and encourage internal staff
* provide customer incentives
* create and deploy a marketing plan

The marketing methods for your online service may include:

* press releases and events
* newspaper ads, brochures, postcards, and other print materials
* association newsletter articles
* PSAs

A marketing plan will ensure optimum exposure. Ultimately, your marketing goals are to provide high customer satisfaction which, in turn, generates additional use of the online service.

Secrets of Marketing Success

* Direct Mailings
* In-person customer training
* Offer online services at a less expensive rate than the traditional methods
* Provide customer service via telephone and email for users learning the new system
* Provide outreach and education at user association meetings
* Provide easy to use and varying billing options
* Attend user association events and conferences

Website Hosting

Static Web Pages

InforME provides website hosting services for State agencies. Nearly every State agency website is hosted on InforME's servers, totalling more than 150,000 individual web pages.

Hosting of static web sites is provided at no cost to agencies, and includes access to the Maine.gov Google search engine, the AutoForms form processing tool, and the What's New tool.

Web Applications

InforME also hosts all eGovernment web applications we have built for State agencies, providing a stable, secure environment for online government transactions. View transaction security policy.

Hosting of non-InforME web applications is possible on a case-by-case basis. Application hosting must be pre-approved, and will involve charges for code review, storage, and maintenance. Alternative hosting options available to agencies include the State's Office of Information Technology and commercial ISPs.

More Information (state agencies only):

* InforME's hosting policy
* Hosting environment
* Hosting services and related services (FTP, virtual domains)

Website Design

Whether we are re-designing your agency’s website or creating one from scratch, we will work with you to develop a site that is pleasing to the eye, easy to use, meets the needs of your users and your agency, and complies with current State and industry standards.

InforME’s web design process is designed to meet the following goals:

* Evaluate Agency needs
* Emphasize usability, with a focus on the public audience
* Meet accessibility standards established by State of Maine policy and Federal law
* Meet Web Standards established by the State of Maine
* Design high-quality graphical elements
* Ensure compatibility with multiple browsers and platforms
* Provide ease of content maintenance
* Incorporate interactivity where appropriate

InforME’s Director of Creative Services will act as the project manager and will be your liaison to the InforME team for website design projects.

We Offer Experience & Expertise

The InforME Creative Services team brings eGovernment experience and expertise to every project, including graphic design, information architecture, usability, accessibility for the disabled, and multimedia.

InforME's staff is responsible for the award-winning Maine.gov portal, recognized by the Center for Digital Government as the best state government Web portal in the nation in 2004. The design team has superb expertise in website usability and accessibility, and Maine's Web Standards. We built the State's standard website templates and participated in the development of the State's Web Standards and Accessibility Policy. We understand State government and the unique role of government websites. We also champion the public website user and ensure that each website will be user-friendly and truly meet the needs of citizens.

Cost/Funding Method

Web design services are offered on a contract basis. New England Interactive is an approved IT Preferred Vendor for the State. Individual agencies may contract with us directly up to $10,000, and for larger amounts using the streamlined Preferred Vendor process.

Once we understand the scope of your project, we'll provide you with a project summary and cost quote.

Domain registration

Welcome to the home of the national rules and principles for registering and managing a domain name. These rules are an integral part of the Guidelines for UK government websites, Illustrated handbook for web management teams (section 1.9 - updated September 2004).

.gov.uk domain registration

These rules are an integral part of the Guidelines for UK government websites, Illustrated handbook for web management teams (section 1.9 - updated September 2004).

Who is eligible to register a .gov.uk domain name?

The only organisations which can register a .gov.uk domain name are:

* UK government and devolved administration departments and agencies
* local and regional government bodies, including town and parish councils
* other associated and NDPB organisations and projects.

Making an application

Review our domain naming conventions and terms and conditions. Then if you are eligible your application must be made by an appropriate Internet Service Provider, using the correct UKERNA template formats. If the supporting information detailed in rules paragraph 1.9.3.1 is not provided the application will automatically be rejected.

The national rules

These are available in HTML, PDF and MS Word formats.

* National rules - HTML version (section 1.9 of the Web Guidelines)
* National rules - PDF version (236KB)
* National rules - MS Word version (306kb)

.EU domain name

The object of this note is to provide guidance to the UK public sector on the registration and validation of an .EU domain name that may be applied for during the .EU phased registration period (also known the Sunrise Period).

* .EU domain name – guidance to the UK public sector – HTML version
* .EU domain name – guidance to the UK public sector – PDF version

How can I find out if a domain name is available?

Being shown available on the JANET Lookup Service or any WHOIS does not mean that the name you are seeking is acceptable. The .gov.uk Naming and Approvals Committee review individual names within the context of the .gov.uk domain and the information provided by the applicant.

* JANET WHOIS Lookup Service [external website]

.gov.uk Naming and Approvals Committee

* Terms of reference

Further advice

Please direct any queries on the rules or on specific names to:

* naming@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Wide Area Network Services

Nearly all of the data transport in state government — including city, county and educational network traffic — is combined onto DIS’ managed Wide Area Network infrastructure. Gathering this much demand in one place means we can competitively acquire large amounts of bandwidth, driving down costs while boosting speed and capacity. Our aim is to help you focus on your core business, so we act as your single point of contact for designing, ordering, implementing and operating networks — dispatching staff around the clock to resolve problems and work with vendors.

The Campus Fiber Network

A high-speed fiber optic backbone service that interconnects voice, video and data communications for customers located in over 30 buildings on the state Capitol Campus in Olympia.

Advanced Transport Services (ATS)

ATS is a reliable and economical wide area network transport service provided over a secure Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) infrastructure. Customer sites are connected to DIS regional nodes sites. The nodes sites are located in Olympia, Lacey, Seattle, Vancouver, Yakima and Spokane. The nodes sites are connected together using high-speed SONET and Ethernet circuits from various service providers. ATS offers customers the security of a private IP network built on a shared, fault-tolerant, high-speed IP network infrastructure.

Interconnect Services

DIS designs, orders, implements and manages a complete package of vendor services and equipment that connects customer field offices to the nearest DIS node site. Combined with Advanced Transport Services, Interconnect Services provides customers a complete multi-access networking service with DIS acting as a single point of contact.

Internet Services

DIS provides state and local government customers with high speed, secured and unsecured Internet access. This service includes Domain Name services and IP addressing.

InterGovernmental Network (IGN) Services

The IGN is the common, standard Internet protocol-based data network used by DIS customers to connect to state agencies, counties, and cities with known end points, managed gateways, and applications. The IGN is an example of the State of Washington's enterprise architecture principle of commonality.

SGN

The State Government Network (SGN) is the common, standard Internet Protocol-based network to be used by state agencies to connect separate locations within and among those agencies.

Ethernet

A local-area network (LAN) architecture. Ethernet uses a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates up to 1Gbps. The Ethernet specification served as the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Ethernet uses the CSMA/CD access method to handle simultaneous demands. It is one of the most widely implemented LAN standards.

Frame Relay

Frame relay is a data link network protocol designed to transfer data on Wide Area Networks (WANs). Frame relay works over fiber optic or ISDN lines. The protocol offers low latency and to reduce overhead, does not perform any error correction, which is instead handled by other components of the network. Frame relay has traditionally provided a cost-effective way for telecommunications to transmit data over long distances.

DSL

DSL technologies use sophisticated modulation schemes to pack data onto copper wires. They are sometimes referred to as last-mile technologies because they are used only for connections from a telephone switching station to an office, not between switching stations.

Webcasting

Webcasting is a powerful, versatile and innovative new communication channel. Ask us about streaming live video over the Web, or using video-on-demand from your Internet or intranet site.

Basic webcast

You can customize this simple interface with your own colors, logo and titles. The basic webcast works with a single camera to bring a presentation to life or record a message from your Director. Use this basic service if you don't need audience interaction.

Intermediate webcast

Multiple cameras and audience interaction create a sense of being there for your viewers. Our intermediate-level webcast service delivers a sophisticated interface that allows viewers to e-mail questions to a panel or presenters in real time, download course or event materials, and link out to program-related Web sites.

Advanced webcast

Watch real innovation in action as our production team creates customized live and video-on-demand presentations with a full spectrum of interactive features including polling, surveys, moderated chat, and question-and-answer sessions. You control the presentation, or have us operate your slide deck in real time. Advanced webcasting also means fast publication to your Web site.

Video Production Services

Video Production

Our highly-skilled video production team can take your message from concept development through postproduction to create high-impact videotape, CD-ROM, DVD, or streaming media products.

Basic Taping

A smart, cost-effective way to capture and distribute a time-sensitive or limited message. Document a meeting, communicate to staff, or get a dynamic clip for a PowerPoint presentation.

Multi-camera Live Production

Great for a live event or training presentation. We offer a full remote package with multiple cameras that make it possible to cut between speakers, graphics and audience shots.

Full Production

Carefully scripted and shot in multiple locations, a full production video engages the audience with a direct, creative message.

Virtual Private Networks

Commonly referred to as VPN, this security option is useful for employees that need access to their own desktops or a central network from a remote location. VPN is particularly useful for people who must travel frequently for work, or regular tele-workers. It uses the Internet to carry the traffic between the user’s location and the central network. The data moving over the VPN connection is secure because it is encrypted in transit. The speed of data exchange depends on the Internet connection speed available at the user’s location.

Benefits of VPN

*Security:

Using the Internet without encryption makes the data vulnerable to public observation, tampering, or capturing. The DIS VPN Service is safe and reliable because it uses encryption to securely send transmissions. A "tunnel" is configured between the client workstation and the DIS VPN Service gateway so the data is kept private as it travels over the Internet. Additionally, the DIS VPN Service utilizes a secondary authentication method, such as secure token cards or key fobs, to ensure the that the data is transmitted intact and that the person transmitting the
data is who he or she claims to be.

*Affordability:

Customer agencies can recognize major cost savings by using the public Internet to transmit their agency data. The DIS VPN Service is one of the most affordable, safest, and easiest ways to conduct this business securely. Agencies pay only for their connection to the Internet, their local Internet Service Provider (ISP), and the DIS VPN Service monthly fee.

*Connectivity:

Customer agencies are beginning to open up their networks to remote employees, branch offices, business partners and customers by utilizing the DIS VPN Service, a transparent, secure, and private connection across the Internet. The DIS VPN Service uses the speed and pervasiveness of the Internet to connect your agency to business partners,clients and suppliers—whether they are across the street or on the other side of the globe

*Reliability:

Current private data networks may not be able to handle cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL) or other extensive broadband traffic. High-speed access is vital to your telecommuters who use shared network media such as cable or DSL, and especially critical for those with wireless connections. Today, with extensive redundancy, carrier-compliance, and high-speed switch routers, the DIS VPN Service provides the high reliability and availability to meet users’ requirements for speed.

*Productivity:

The DIS VPN Service improves employee productivity and work flexibility while reducing access costs. The DIS VPN Service is becoming very popular and many agencies are already enjoying the benefits of lower costs and convenience. Expected benefits include decreased IT costs, streamlined business processes, increased employee communication, and improved customer satisfaction.

WACIRC (Washington Computer Incident Response Center)

Since most of Washington’s state government is interconnected through the state government network, the security vulnerabilities or risks accepted by one are ultimately shared by all. Timely, accurate information sharing among agencies aids prevention and recovery from cyber incidents against government networks. WACIRC was created in 2002 to support this reality.

WACIRC also responds to Gov. Gary Locke’s 2001 request to the Information Services Board chair to “take decisive actions to ensure that the security of our technology stays ahead of any potential cyber terrorists,” and “work with the Board, the Department of Information Services and other state agencies to make state computer and telecommunications systems secure.”

With a membership of more than 60 state agencies and local government partners, WACIRC consists of authorized security contacts that share the State Government Network. It serves as the focal point for meeting the following
statewide goals:

* Establish a reliable process for reporting computer security related emergencies
* Coordinate the timely incident response capabilities of state agencies.
* Provide the means for communication of alert and advisory information about potential threats and emerging incidents.
* Promote incident response handling awareness within state government,
* Facilitate timely sharing among state agencies for references to technical security-related information, tools, techniques and methods.
* Foster cooperation among state agencies for the effective prevention, detection, containment, eradication, recovery and follow-up from computer security incidents.
* Provide a forum for learning and sharing information.

Secure File Transfer

Increasingly, large data centers and computing facilities are prohibiting File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfers of sensitive data over unprotected networks because FTP is unable to deliver encrypted data transfer. FTP can expose not only data but also passwords and filenames.

Secure File Transfer is the solution for the safe transfer of data needed to address required levels of authentication including digital certificates.

Secure File Transfer uses Tumbleweed SecureTransport™ service software designed to work with industry-standard technologies including SSL and HTTPS. Secure File Transfer encrypts all network traffic (data and control), and transfers files using a single TCP/IP port, allowing the transport to use a proxy server.

Client software is available for various computer platforms. Files can be sent securely and received via a Web browser, with a graphical client, or with a command line client. The command line client can be invoked in a script using commands similar to the FTP command set. Data is delivered more reliably than e-mail and at network speed.

Secure File Transfer integrates with the state's security architecture while it safeguards document and data delivery over the Internet. Agencies can use this software solution to cover a wide range of applications at the same time they cut private network costs.

Secure File Transfer — secure data transmission over open networks

Transfer data between any two locations securely with Secure File Transfer. Encryption-based, Secure File Transfer delivers enterprise-grade security, reliability, scalability and performance at competitive pricing. Using the Tumbleweed product, Secure File Transfer is a turnkey, field-tested solution that works in large production environments, and guarantees that data transmissions will remain secure traveling across open networks.

Benefits of using Secure File Transfer

* Transfer data between any two locations securely
* Available to state, local and county governments
* Requires only a Web browser
* Complete automated transfers with a client
* Meets Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements for transfer of sensitive data
* Provides userid password protection and encrypted login process
* Offers firewall-protected servers
* Transfer to and from almost any type of computer including the DIS IBM and Unisys mainframes

Secure Gateway Services: Fortress Anonymous

This security service is the best choice when it’s important to protect the source of an online service or Web site, but your agency doesn’t need to know the user’s identity before he or she uses the service. The information accessed is public data and there is no need to verify the identity of the person accessing the data, or your
agency may provide its own user authentication.

Fortress Anonymous protects the identity of where the service is hosted for many services that are broadly available to the public, such as the Unemployment Claims Application, the Division of Child Support New Hire Reporting program and the personalized license plate lookup service.

Fortress Anonymous Functionality:

* Real-time translation of application URL's avoiding outsider recoding of applications to work with Fortress Anonymous.
* Real-time online customer registration and maintenance of anonymous applications.
* A replicated, actively load balanced production environment to support automated registration and setup for public applications.
* Includes development, system test, production, and customer test environments.
* A production system targeted at 24x7 availability via a load-balanced configuration. Technical staff members are on call 24 hours a day to resolve any system problems with the production environment.
* A customer test environment is targeted at 8AM to 5PM workday availability. (Subject to occasional temporary outages due to testing of new applications and troubleshooting customer problems).

Domain Naming Services

DIS plays a role in state domain naming, ensuring that Internet users can easily locate and use state Web sites and digital government services. DIS led a multi-agency group in creating statewide standards for Internet top-level, sub-domain, and host domains within the wa.gov and state.wa.us state domains.

Originally put in place in 1983, the Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) is a database that maps domain and host names to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Most Internet services rely on DNS to locate Web sites and successfully deliver e-mail.

Washington State’s Domain and Host Naming Standards are designed to provide:

* users with domain and host names that clearly indicate the legitimacy and authority of government Web applications, services, and information.
* agency domain administrators with clear written naming standards to follow when requesting Internet domain and host names, and
* the DIS state Internet domain administrator with standards from which decisions can be made regarding requests for Internet domain and host names and naming structures

To support state agencies in following the state standards and applying for domain names, DIS offers a fully developed resource Web site with DNS best practices, resources and instructions for requesting domain names.

Customer Network Security Design Review

With this service, DIS provides ongoing opportunities for customers to propose new or modified application-delivery/enablement systems. The range of systems discussed encompasses network components, host-based applications, and distributed application systems.

Through this intensive review process, DIS provides efficient and thorough analysis of both internal and external system modifications. The reviews are scheduled to maximize both the customer’s and our own understanding and decision of the analysis.

The process also allows Customers and DIS to gather information and ask clarifying questions to resolve all issues or questions before going into a system modification.

At the end of a review, DIS prepares a formal analysis response for review by the Customer. This response typically takes from one to two workweeks to research, prepare, and reach agreement with the customer. It then becomes a valuable resource for customers to use in negotiations and discussions with business managers and third parties, as well as other governmental organizations. It also provides as a formal record between DIS and the Customer of the strategic and architectural intent of the project.

InterGovernmental Network (IGN) Services

The IGN is the common, standard Internet protocol-based data network used by DIS customers to connect to state agencies, counties, and cities with known end points, managed gateways, and applications. The IGN is an example of the State of Washington's enterprise architecture principle of commonality.

SGN

The State Government Network (SGN) is the common, standard Internet Protocol-based network to be used by state agencies to connect separate locations within and among those agencies.

Ethernet

A local-area network (LAN) architecture. Ethernet uses a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates up to 1Gbps. The Ethernet specification served as the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Ethernet uses the CSMA/CD access method to handle simultaneous demands. It is one of the most widely implemented LAN standards.

Frame Relay

Frame relay is a data link network protocol designed to transfer data on Wide Area Networks (WANs). Frame relay works over fiber optic or ISDN lines. The protocol offers low latency and to reduce overhead, does not perform any error correction, which is instead handled by other components of the network. Frame relay has traditionally provided a cost-effective way for telecommunications to transmit data over long distances.

DSL

DSL technologies use sophisticated modulation schemes to pack data onto copper wires. They are sometimes referred to as last-mile technologies because they are used only for connections from a telephone switching station to an office, not between switching stations.

Wide Area Network Services

Nearly all of the data transport in state government — including city, county and educational network traffic — is combined onto DIS’ managed Wide Area Network infrastructure. Gathering this much demand in one place means we can competitively acquire large amounts of bandwidth, driving down costs while boosting speed and capacity. Our aim is to help you focus on your core business, so we act as your single point of contact for designing, ordering, implementing and operating networks — dispatching staff around the clock to resolve problems and work with vendors.

The Campus Fiber Network

A high-speed fiber optic backbone service that interconnects voice, video and data communications for customers located in over 30 buildings on the state Capitol Campus in Olympia.

Advanced Transport Services (ATS)

ATS is a reliable and economical wide area network transport service provided over a secure Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) infrastructure. Customer sites are connected to DIS regional nodes sites. The nodes sites are located in Olympia, Lacey, Seattle, Vancouver, Yakima and Spokane. The nodes sites are connected together using high-speed SONET and Ethernet circuits from various service providers. ATS offers customers the security of a private IP network built on a shared, fault-tolerant, high-speed IP network infrastructure.

Interconnect Services

DIS designs, orders, implements and manages a complete package of vendor services and equipment that connects customer field offices to the nearest DIS node site. Combined with Advanced Transport Services, Interconnect Services provides customers a complete multi-access networking service with DIS acting as a single point of
contact.

Internet Services

DIS provides state and local government customers with high speed, secured and unsecured Internet access. This service includes Domain Name services and IP addressing.

Enabled Voice Mail – send your SIMON voice mail to your e-mail inbox

Enabled Voice Mail (EVM), a service offering from DIS Local Telephone Services, increases the functionality of SIMON voice mail for campus-based users by integrating voice mail with e-mail.

Benefits

EVM is a cost-effective option for a variety of work environments such as telecommuting, critical information storage and help desks.

*Allows voice mail messages to be delivered to up to three user-defined e-mail addresses.
*Allows the user to define up to three additional IP addressable devices, such as pagers and cell phones, to be notified when a new voice mail message has been received.
*Allows SIMON voice mail messages to be treated as e-mail and forwarded or archived as required.
*SIMON voice mail messages are still accessible on SIMON using the telephone network.
EVM functionality
*EVM Notify – Sends an e-mail to pagers or cellular phones indicating that a new SIMON voice mail message has been received.
*EVM Delivery – Delivers SIMON voice mail messages in the form of a .wav file attachment to an e-mail. The e-mail is then sent to user-specified e-mail addresses.

System requirements

To fully utilize EVM, the user’s system must:

*Allow Active X content through its firewalls and e-mail filters to let users tailor EVM features.
*Use PCs within the state government network to delete messages and extinguish message waiting lights on the telephone set.
*Use PCs equipped for sound.

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)

Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs) are telephone switches that are installed on a customer's premise to provide telephone service. PBXs are normally only installed when:

1.A site either has a requirement for a minimum of 100 lines or PBX functionality is required to meet critical business requirements that can not be met by central office services.

2.The state either owns or has a long-term lease in place for the facility in which the PBX will be installed. DIS has installed and currently manages PBX systems for state agencies at over 75 different locations. DIS supports

Two different PBX architectures:

1.The Avaya Definity PBX architecture: The installed base of Avaya PBXs includes Definity G3R PBXs and associated EPNs and survivable remotes and Definity G3I PBXs.

2.The Nortel Meridian PBX architecture: The installed base of Nortel PBXs includes Meridian Option 11 & Option 61 PBXs.

PBX features

As with central office service, PBX service includes free calling within the local exchange area, access to the SCAN long distance network, access to the local operator and emergency services. It also includes an abbreviated dialing plan (4, or 5 digits) that can be used to dial between any two phones that are connected to the PBX and in
many instances also to a Centrex that is connected to a PBX.

However PBXs have many other available features and service is usually tailored to meet an agency’s specific requirements. Listed below is an explanation of some of the more prevalent features on systems that DIS currently manages:

Telephone instruments

A variety of digital telephones that offer displays, speakers, voice mail message waiting lights and programmable keys.

Dedicated voice mail service

In most instances a dedicated voice mail system is installed to provide integrated voice mail service for the PBX system. DIS installs and manages Octel Voice Mail Systems as its standard voice mail platform. These systems are networked with, and have the same functionality and classes of service as the state's SIMON voice messaging system.

Automated Call Distribution (ACD)

ACD functionality evenly distributes incoming calls among a pool of agents and allows managers to obtain both real time and historical data to analyze and adapt to call volumes. Both the Nortel and Avaya architectures provide optional ACD software for their PBX platforms. Some DIS ACD offerings allow agents to be located at remote sites by using IP connections for call control. In many instances enhanced call management systems (CMS) are being used to provide detailed real time and historical statistical data.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

IVR systems provide callers the ability to query a computer database or other data source using a telephone. Charges for IVR applications normally include a one-time fee for the development of custom applications and a monthly recurring charge for port usage on an IVR system. Currently DIS only offers IVR services to its Avaya PBX
customers.

PBX system contracts

DIS does not have any Master Contracts that allow agencies to purchase PBX systems directly from vendors.

Customer Support

DIS assigns a service representative to each of its customers. The customer service representative will process any orders for new service, moves, additions or changes. The DIS customer service representative will also provide the customer information on products and assist in the resolution of any problems that may be encountered.

DIS also assigns a system manager for each of its PBXs. The system manager is an experienced project manager who can assist the customer in planning substantial upgrades, implementing complex features or resolving issues that cannot be resolved by the customer service representative.

Customer charges

All rates for PBX service are tailored and monthly line charges for service vary by the number of lines and specific functionality that is required. Typical charges that a customer can expect to pay for PBX service include:

1.Wiring:

Building wiring systems may need to be upgraded or replaced when installing a PBX system.

2.Terminal equipment:

The customer is responsible for paying for telephones or terminal equipment used with the PBX system.

3.SCAN/toll charges:

Charges the customer incurs for SCAN or toll calls are the customer’s responsibility.

4.Monthly line charge:

The customer is responsible for the payment of a monthly line charge for each PBX line.

Local Telephone Services

DIS manages a statewide network that delivers modern voice telephone service to public organizations at economical rates. Local telephone service includes unlimited free calling within the local exchange area, access to operator and emergency services (E911), and access to the state's SCAN long distance network. Also available are other features and functionality that customers can select to meet their specific requirements. Local telephone service is provided in two ways:

Central Office Services (Centrex)
DIS Managed Private Branch Exchange Service (PBX)

Centrex Service

Centrex is a generic term for central office-based telephone services. Centrex provides an alternative to private branch exchange (PBX) service or flat business service. DIS Centrex service includes free calling within the local exchange area, access to the SCAN long distance network, and access to the local operator and emergency services. DIS Centrex offerings also include an abbreviated dialing plan (3, 4, or 5 digits) that can be used to dial between any two phones that are in Centrex. Access to either SIMON, the State’s Simon voice messaging system, or a vendor-specific voice mail solution is also typically available at reduced rates. Centrex lines may be terminated on either individual phones or electronic key telephone systems (EKTS). If used with an EKTS, the intelligence in the EKTS may be used to provide additional functionality.

DIS has established contracts for the provisioning of Centrex services with the following vendors. The brand specific name for the vendor's Centrex product is listed in parentheses.

* Qwest (Centrex Prime)
* Verizon (CentraNet)

Features:

DIS Centrex service includes several feature packages. Current Centrex service offerings and rates Review a current list of DIS Centrex offerings and rates by city and central office. DIS can establish additional offerings in central office serving areas where 20 or more lines can be aggregated.

Customer Charges:

DIS provides local telephone service customers with a simplified invoice with a single entry for each unit of service that contains its description and associated cost. DIS is responsible for vendor billing issues and reconciliation. Typical charges that a customer will pay for Centrex service include:

1.Installation Charges:
Standard vendor charges for the installation of new service or changes to existing service are the customer's responsibility.

2.Terminal Equipment:

The customer is responsible for paying for telephones or terminal equipment such as EKTS used with the Centrex service and for the ongoing maintenance and replacement of this equipment.

3.SCAN/Toll Charges:

Charges for SCAN or toll calls are the customer’s responsibility

4.Monthly Line Charge:

The customer is responsible for the payment of a monthly line charge for each Centrex line. The monthly line charge includes all cost components including tax.

Cost comparisons:

DIS will help public organizations analyze their current local telephone service costs to determine if DIS service is a good alternative. When comparing costs DIS customers should note that DIS rates include all cost components including tax It is not unusual for competitive quotes from other service providers to omit various federal and state mandated fees and taxes that are “understood in the industry”. These costs, which frequently add several dollars to the cost of a line, may include charges for the End User Line Charge (EUCL), Common Access Line Charge (CALC), Network Access Registers (NARS), Primary Interstate Carrier (PIC), Local Number Portability (LNP), feature charges, state and local 911 charges, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Washington State Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP), and state and local taxes.

Electronic Key Telephone Systems (EKTS)

DIS has Master Contracts in place for EKTS that can be used with Centrex service. These contracts meet the state requirements for competition and are available for use by customers eligible for DIS services to purchase EKTS systems.

Customer support

DIS assigns a service representative to each of its customers. The customer service representative will process any orders for new service, moves, additions or changes and coordinate them with the responsible vendor. The DIS customer service representative will also provide the customer information on products and assist in the resolution of any problems that may be encountered with the vendor.

SCAN long distance and SCAN Plus calling cards

DIS provides long distance services for state and local government agencies statewide through two services: SCAN and the SCAN Plus calling card. SCAN is for long distance calls from your workplace. Use the SCAN Plus calling card when you need to make long distance calls away from the office. Both SCAN and SCAN Plus long distance services offer customized detail billing of all long distance calls with special indicators for long duration calls and directory assistance. When you purchase local telephone services through DIS, you automatically have access to cost-effective SCAN to meet your agency's long distance business requirements. If you manage your own local telephone services, we'll help you analyze your current long distance costs to determine if SCAN is a good long distance alternative.

In addition to high-quality long distance service, DIS offers call management so you can customize your service to meet individual user needs. We routinely monitor service performance to make sure your access remains at the defined service levels. When you change or upgrade your equipment, we coordinate related SCAN modifications to reduce impact on service. And our help desk is open 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to take care of problems as they happen.

Print Services: Traditional and Virtual

DIS offers a wide variety of print devices including high-speed laser printers, single cut-sheet printers and various impact printers.

Make the most of mainframe outputs with Virtual Print Services (VPS), the mainframe-based printing tool that streamlines information throughput, and eliminates the need to wait overnight for printouts. VPS works with CICS and Enterprise Output Solutions (EOS).

Features

* Remote printing for small applications (report output).
* Integration of multiple reports such as AFRS reports and HRISD Payroll data
* Output setting control — landscape/portrait/duplex — at remote sites
* Eliminates lost or misdirected printouts
* Greater control of confidential data — VPS eliminates the manual transfer of printed reports through Campus Mail.

CD-ROM Output

Get fast, accurate access to the data you need is easy with the CD-ROM alternative to paper and microfiche reports. Make the move to CD-Rom output, and you can pack 640 megabytes of information or 200,000 pages onto each CD, and eliminate the need for an onsite reader. It may be easier than you think — all the operating software to read the data is built into each CD. And any PC with a CD reader running Windows 3.1 or higher can take advantage of CD-ROM output services.

Features:

* Sort function
* Users can print directly from CD or cut and paste data into other documents
* Password protection available for individual reports or the entire CD
* CD-Rom data storage meets legal requirements because documents are considered original and cannot be modified.
* Operating software to read data is part of each CD
* Digital distribution costs less than circulating paper
* Output can be printed or faxed locally
* Ideal for mainframe output
* Simple technical requirements: CD reader and Windows 3.1 or higher

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Enjoy all the benefits of a dedicated file server without all the headaches of owning one. DIS introduces its Network Attached Storage (NAS) service, utilizing EMC’s Celerra, an enterprise class NAS system, backed by the EMC Symmetrix storage array.

NAS Features

* Both Common Internet File System (CIFS) and Network File System (NFS) protocols are supported
* Backed by the DIS Symmetrix storage arrays
* Secure, 24-hour service, located in the DIS Data Center

NAS Benefits

* Peace of mind at a reasonable cost
* Supports Windows and Unix operating systems, as well as any others that support CIFS or NFS
* Flexible growth potential without a lengthy acquisition process
* Sharable over multiple servers and applications

Server Backup Services

Employ a comprehensive software system to backup almost any type of server over the TCP/IP network - unattended - with the Server Backup Services (SBS) from the Department of Information Services. SBS allows the immediate restoration of a file, all files on a disk, or an entire server, and enables you to backup and recover data around-the-clock, 365 days a year.

Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM), the software used for this service, is an enterprise-wide solution, which integrates automated backup and restore, archive and retrieval, hierarchical storage management and disaster recovery. Storage Manager supports approximately 39 client platforms and the following server platforms: HP-UX, IBM AIX, Windows NT, Windows 2000, sun Solaris and IBM MVS-OS-390. TSM uses its own Relational Database System to keep track of all storage management functions.

Take advantage of reliable backup services, and protect against both planned and unforeseen events with SBS.

Server Backup Service Features

* Backup a file, disk, or server automatically
* Graphical user interface provides ease of use
* Onsite and offsite data storage for customer selected server data
* Data is available during disaster recovery situations
* Robust error recovery
* File security
* No tapes or listings to manage
* More time for agency system administrators to do other work
* Notification lets you know when there’s a backup interruption, so you can fix it before it becomes a problem
* Secure, 24-hour service, located in the DIS Data Center

Unisys Mainframe Platform

The DIS Unisys platform provides the following services:

Online transactional system

Realtime enables transactions entered at remote terminals to be processed concurrently by customer written application programs. DIS supports a complement of seven application groups designed to help build and maintain the various customer applications.

Interactive computing

Demand services allow Unisys customers to develop data processing applications in an interactive mode. Various products may be used for creating, testing, and modifying computer programs, and to create, store, retrieve, and change both data and Job Control Language streams.

Database systems

DIS provides software and customer support for UDS, DMS and RDMS, including:

* Software installation, testing, implementation and maintenance
* Software problem diagnosis and correction
* Performance monitoring and tuning
* Answering questions about specific computing services
* Assisting customer in resolving database problems
* Coordinating the implementation of new or improved software with customers
* Assisting in or performing backups to ensure data integrity and allow for disaster recovery

Storage

Batch services

Batch jobs can be submitted from Remote Job Entry (RJE) stations, online terminals, over the counter, or be automatically submitted via job scheduling software.

System 390 (S/390) Mainframe Platform

The DIS S/390 platform operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The platform includes three mainframe processors running the IBM z/OS operating system. Mainframe operations are housed in the secure DIS data center, where we provide the following services to more than 100 state agencies:

Online processing (CICS)

DIS offers Customer Information Control System (CICS), an IBM systems software that enables transactions entered from remote terminals to be processed concurrently by application programs.

To submit a request to add, delete, or change CICS entries, please fill out the CICS Entry form and send it to Servicedesk@dis.wa.gov

To submit a request to add, delete, or change CICS VSAM file entries, please fill out the CICS VSAM Entry form and send it to Servicedesk@dis.wa.gov

Batch job processing

Batch jobs can be submitted from Remote Job Entry (RJE) stations, online terminals, over the counter, or be automatically submitted via job scheduling software.

Database systems

DIS provides software and customer support for ADABAS, DB2 and IMS, including:

* Software installation, testing, implementation and maintenance
* Software problem diagnosis and correction
* Performance monitoring and tuning
* Answering questions about specific computing services
* Assisting customer in resolving database problems
* Coordinating the implementation of new or improved software with customers
* Assisting in or performing backups to ensure data integrity and allow for disaster recovery

Storage

Interactive Computing

IBM's Time Share Option (TSO) is available at DIS. This service allows the interactive development of data processing applications. TSO may be used to create, test and modify computer programs and to create, store, retrieve and change data.

Customer Technical Support

DIS' technical support staff provides friendly and knowledgeable support for many batch and Time Share Option (TSO) products available on the S/390 mainframe.

Enterprise Active Directory

A cooperative, progressive approach to the enterprise

The Enterprise Active Directory marks an exciting new era for the IT enterprise in Washington state government.

Every day, state agencies use hundreds of common applications, software, services and resources. Until now, the time lost and the human and financial resources spent duplicating and reinventing applications was an expected norm. Recent, tough budgetary constraints have demanded a paradigm shift. Today, the technology leadership in the state has turned its attention toward shared access to applications, software, services and resources and the implementation of best practices. The enterprise is moving toward a standardized environment, schema, application programming interfaces (APIs) and an authentication system that is omnipresent and secure.

The Washington State Enterprise Active Directory Forest, a Microsoft Windows strategic approach, provides a common, shared environment that makes unprecedented levels of cooperation possible and, ultimately, reduces costs and optimizes resources.

Host on-Demand

Securely access the DIS S/390 mainframe from any location using the software product Host On-Demand (HOD). All you need is a Web browser and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to establish a secure, encrypted connection to the mainframe. This access occurs either via the Internet through the State of Washington’s firewalls or from within the State Government Network (SGN). HOD runs as a Java applet in a Web browser to provide access to the mainframe over TCP/IP. This access is routed through TPX.

Supported client operating systems

Host On-Demand may be installed on the following operating systems:

* Windows 2000 (Professional)
* Windows XP Professional and Home Edition (32-bit version)
* Windows Server 2003 (Enterprise, Standard and Web)
* Windows Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate Editions
* Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PC IPV6
* AIX 5L 5.2 and 5.3
* OS/2 Warp 4
* Sun Solaris 8 and 9
* HP-UX 11.00 and 11i
* Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 2.1 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0 and 4.0, 9.0 Personal and Professional
* SuSE Linux 8.2 and 9.0 and SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8.0 and 9.0
* TurboLinux 8.0 Workstation and Server, TurboLinux 10 Desktop
* Windows Terminal Services for Windows 2000 and Windows 2003
* Citrix Metaframe 1.8 for Windows Terminal Server 4.0 and 1.8 for Windows 2000 Server
* Citrix Metaframe XP Presentation Server (Versions S, A and E) for Windows Feature Release V2 and V3
* Mac OS X 10.2.1, 10.3 and 10.4 (compatible when accessing HOD from the State Government Network or SecureAccess Washington)

Supported browsers

Host On-Demand works using the following browsers and Java 2 plug-ins:

* Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 with Microsoft Virtual Machine level 3802 or higher
* Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5, 6.0 and 7.0 with a Java 2 plug-in installed
* Safari 1.0 and 2.0 (Mac OS X) with JRE 1.4.x, 1.5.0 and 1.6.0 (compatible when accessing HOD from the State Government Network or SecureAccess Washington)
* Netscape Navigator 7.0, 7.1, 7.2 and 8.0 (HOD does not support Netscape on Mac OS X)
* Netscape Navigator (OS/2) 4.61 with integrated Java Virtual Machine
* IBM Web Browser for OS/2 V2.01
* Firefox 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 (HOD does not support Firefox on Mac OS X with SecureAccess Washington)
* Sun Java 2 plug-in 1.5.0 (builds 1.5.0_09 through 1.5.0_13) and 1.6.0
* Sun Java 2 plug-in 1.4.0, 1.4.1 and 1.4.2 (compatible when accessing HOD from the State Government Network or SecureAccess Washington)

Pricing

There is no additional cost for using HOD software itself, or accessing HOD through SecureAccess Washington. There is a cost associated with a digital certificate if you use Transact Washington.

Access from within the SGN

To use HOD from within the SGN and for more information, Contact Customer Service: 360-753-2454.

Access from outside the SGN

Access to the SGN is secured either through the use of SecureAccess Washington or Transact Washington. Your agency must be authenticated for HOD access via one of these security services. As a HOD customer, you will need to determine which security service option is right for your agency. Your agency should designate an administrator who will grant HOD access to other users within your department either through SecureAccess Washington or Transact Washington security services.

Before proceeding any further, please check with your agency to determine if an administrator has already been established. If so, they can grant access to HOD. If your agency does not have an administrator, you may register as one.

To register as an administrator using SecureAccess Washington, complete the Application for SAW/HOD Access and forward it to DIS Service Desk.

To register as an HOD administrator using Transact Washington, you must be a Transact Washington Application Owner and complete an Application Registration form specifying hodv1.dis.wa.gov for the DNS name and 80 as the port when registering your application.

Enterprise Output Solutions (EOS)

Reduce your reliance on print distribution for computer-generated output with Enterprise Output Solution (EOS) from the Department of Information Services. EOS delivers confidentiality and security in an efficient and comprehensive enterprise document management software system. EOS allows full control over the capture, storage and distribution of reports from the time of creation until they are no longer needed.

Control distribution, archive and retrieval of computer-generated reports while you eliminate high printing and distribution costs. Online viewing through a PC or Web browser delivers a big bonus for end-users who have immediate access to the information they need.

Features

* Report list filtering/culling and ‘find’
* Direct positioning within a report
* Simple or compound find/search with Boolean support
* ‘Holding’ lines and/or columns
* Report reformatting
* Font control within report or report directory
* Full cross report/application index or ‘Table of Contents’ (TOC) search capabilities

Benefits

* Ensures that recipients only have access to the data they are authorized to view
* Each agency EOS coordinator has full control over who can access their reports
* Reduces resource costs by eliminating duplication of reports for multiple end-users
* Automatically archives time sensitive reports
* Each agency controls the restoration of archived reports
* Reduction in costs due to elimination of physical printing and distribution
* Elimination of delivery delays

License fees

Enterprise Output Solutions (EOS) Thin Client License costs are per license. The first year license fee is $110.77 per license.Annual Maintenance renewal costs, per license, are effective on July 1st. Annual Maintenance costs are $16.62 per license.

Monetizing free webhosting

The majority of the hosting companies use free hosting to introduce their services, and as an entry point to their more expensive offerings. Generally they recoup their costs in one of two ways:

* Advertising - Selling online advertising on the customer sites is generally considered a fair trade - the reasoning is that high traffic sites are more expensive to host, but the additional traffic allows for additional ad impressions therefore covering the cost. For the web master, it can be a good trade if the advertising is of good quality and non-competitive. This is one of the main reasons that businesses do not use free hosting for their website. The majority of free hosting companies use this method.

* Referrals - Using a simple form of viral marketing, these providers rely on the users to spread the offer. The ratio of free to paid accounts is known, and by having each free user refer a number of friends, the hosting provider is able to get enough paid accounts to cover the cost.

* Resell Hosting - This is where someone starts up a hosting company, attracts lots of visitors, then sells the hosting company to someone else once it can no longer support itself. Once sold, this individual uses the money to start up multiple hosting ventures and sells each in turn.

Some hosting companies are using hybrid approaches that mix these tactics.

Methods of giving out web hosting

A few methods of giving out Free Webhosting to people by Webhosts

Instant Activation

Due to the risks of illegal, inappropriate, and abusive website, hosts with instant activation usually give very little storage space and monthly bandwidth. Other restrictions will likely also be in effect. The webhosts usually either require the users' web pages to display their banner ads, textlink ads, or popups; or else the users' files to be uploaded through a web-based file manager that display ads to the user uploading files.

Hosts with instant activation are often abused, such as link spamming.


Post for Hosting

Some free hosts require posting in a forum. Forum-based free hosting requires users to either reach a certain amount of posts before getting a free hosting account, or be an active contributor in the forum. Forum-based free hosting often work on a system of points where posts give points to a user and can be used as credits toward getting a hosting account or more resources. Typically, the forum where users have to post contains advertising as the hosts way of making a profit.

Forum applications

This method is popular, as the hosts can decide which applications to deny and allow. This is common when a popular forum has free hosting as an add-on service, rather than the other way around.

File hosting on webhosts

Most free web hosts discourage using their services for file or image hosting only, with no web page, since advertising is displayed on the web page. Because of this, hotlinking is usually disallowed on free hosts. Some free webhosts will also disallow files over a certain size (for example, 5 MB). However, there are free file hosting services which allow large files as well as hotlinking.

Co-branding and resellers

Some services offer co-branding services. These let you brand fixed plans with your own company. Other services, offer WHM or panel reselling. This allows the client to develop his or her own web hosting plans and business.

free web hosting service

A free web hosting service is a web hosting service that is free, usually advertisement-supported. Free web hosts will usually provide a subdomain (yoursite.example.com) or a directory (www.example.com/~yourname). In contrast, paid web hosts will usually provide a second-level domain along with the hosting (www.yourname.com). Many free hosts do allow use of separately-purchased domains. Rarely, a free host may also operate as a domain name registrar.

Features and limitations

Only a few free web hosts offer the basic package for free. Enhanced packages (with more features) are usually available for a cost. This allows users to try the service for an initial trial (see how it performs compared to other hosts), and then upgrade when (and if) needed.

Free hosting may have the following limitations:

* Limitation on the size of each hosted file
* Very small bandwidth per month compared to paid hosting
* Disabling on hotlinking of files
* File type restrictions (for example MP3, MPEG, ZIP etc.)
* Compulsory placement of the Webhosts' Banner or Popup ads into all web pages
* No provided uptime guarantee
* No allowance of custom URLS, such as "http://www.domain.com". It has to be "http://www.provider.com/domain" or "http://domain.provider.com/".
* No allowance of pornographic nature.

Some free host may provide these extra features:

* A web based control panel
* Free email accounts for the domain or subdomain hosted
* File transfer via FTP
* Scripting languages: PHP, ASP, Perl etc.
* Relational databases such as MySQL
* Scheduled processes, known as cronjobs
* Other features such as guestbooks
* Forums and community resources not typical of paid hosts
* Reward systems which provide extra free products and services
* Have no data limitations offering unlimited space'

Development Project Management System (DPMS) for P&D Department

Introduction

It is a PSDP Project approved by the DDWP on 06/03/2002 at a total cost of Rs.4.607 million under the umbrella scheme tilted “Extension of IT in NWFP
Objectives of the Project

Have a comprehensive planning and monitoring software, covering all the phases of project lifecycle starting from PC-1 up to PC-V.

Deploy the developed software in all of the 24 district planning offices of NWFP and in the provincial P&D Department.

Link all the 24 district planning offices with provincial headquarter electronically for information exchange.

Arrange user level training of the officers / officials of Provincial P&D Department and all the 24 district P&D offices.

Convert the old FoxPro Database into the new DPMS System

A scheme for digitalization of Teachers Recruitment and Staff Promotion in Schools & Literacy (S&L) Department, NWFP was approved by DDWP on 5/10/2005 for an amount of Rs.5.350 Million.

Project Duration

11 months

Estimated Cost

Capital Cost = Rs.5.350 Million.

Web-Hosting Services’ Setup for GoNWFP

E-Government is one of the major initiatives under the present IT policy and Action Plan. To pursue this initiative, the Government of Pakistan is undertaking a large number of projects in different areas. One of the main objectives of the IT Action Plan is to deliver public services efficiently and effectively with out any delays. IT is the key technology that will be used to deliver these and more services. IT as a vehicle of automation is to be used to transform the quality of services to the public.

The Department of ST&IT Govt: of NWFP has taken the initiative to present government operations online to make them more efficient and less
time consuming.

Though the project would involve some one time financial investment, but it would prove much more economical method of transmitting information and data to the general public. A computer server room will be established in IT Directorate Peshawar. The physical infrastructure being developed by the NWFP Government as below will be supportive of this initiative; it will integrate in the overall framework of I.T. development and augment the functionality to an optimum level:

The Information Technology Directorate will set up its own server room for hosting emails and information for the Government Departments in NWFP. It tends to provide web hosting facility to all the Government websites. This server room will act as a hub for all the Government Departments to carry on their business.

Objectives of the Project

Provide the Government Departments the facility to make their presence online without paying any charges.

Introduce the email facility for the official correspondence between the departments.

Provide the free access to the Government institutes and university students for real time online application testing and to provide them a facility for customizable setup regarding the need of the application.

Offer the students internships in the server room in order to offer them practical hands on experience.

Enterprise Output Manager (EOM)

Deliver print and other electronic files from a variety of computers throughout a distributed network, with Enterprise Output Manager (EOM), from the Department of Information Services. EOM is a Microsoft Windows-based application that accepts print files from various hosts (S/390, Unisys, Unix, Windows etc.), and distributes print data to the destination of your choice (a PC, file server, mainframe, e-mail system, printer, Web site, microfiche, PDF file or user program). All manipulation of the data (if desired) happens at the EOM server and does not interfere with host system application processing. EOM's approach is to distribute then print, rather than print and distribute.

Features

* Print to virtually any printer ranging from entry-level matrix printers to high-speed production laser printers
* Format and enhance your enterprise output by adding electronic forms, dynamic font changes and text positioning, barcodes or conditionally select items for printing
* Route data automatically to e-mail, fax, file server, Web servers, microfiche, user application programs and printers
* View data online before printing
* Index and archive data for later retrieval

Benefits

* Significantly reduce the cost of printed output
* Save on storage costs
* Use electronic forms and reduce the need for pre-printed business papers
* Preview information to avoid errors
* Lower application maintenance costs
* Centralize output management
* Lower hardware cost
* Reduce mailing costs

CTC Bridge

Get secure access to the Unisys mainframe via the Internet. This service offering from DIS will allow customers who use DIS mainframe services to sign on anywhere from a PC with Internet access.

Using CTCBridge, an enhanced emulation software product, is less expensive than buying individual copies of software and maintaining the latest upgrades. Installation is done at the server level - there is no need to install or update desktop clients. Users simply use the URL with a valid userid and the product automatically downloads the latest version if there has been a change.

Using industry standard 128-bit SSL encryption and DIS’ SecureAccess Washington, CTCBridge provides IP Matching and standard user/password user authentication.

Benefits

* Provides cost effective access to mainframe applications from remote sites
* Emulates terminals
* Provides userid password protection
* Configures terminal options based on user needs
* Offers online help
* Provides file transfer capabilities
* Offers choice of green screen or graphical views
* Easy installation and support
* Offers the ability to run multiple terminal types
* Provides several printing options
* Installation of the product is done at the server level — no need to install or update client desktops

Supported client operating systems

CTCBridge may be installed on the following operating systems:

* Windows XP Professional and Home Edition (32-bit version)
* Windows 2000 (Professional)
* Using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or 5.1, 5.5, 6.0 with Java Virtual Machine level 3802 or higher if using

Microsoft’s VM

* Other browsers may be used with your own support

Access from within the State Government Network (SGN)

CTCBridge will be accessible from within the SGN. For more information, contact DIS Unisys Technical Support at 360-902-3049.

Access from outside the SGN

Access to the SGN will be secured through the use of SecureAccess Washington. Once CTCBridge has been made available, your agency must be authenticated for CTCBridge access through the SecureAccess Washington services. Your agency should designate an administrator who will grant access to other users within your department.

tRelational

tRelational, from Treehouse Software, is an ADABAS modeling, mapping and data analysis tool. It analyzes ADABAS file structures, data and usage to aid in improving design and performance of ADABAS databases. tRelational also assists with modeling and mapping of ADABAS data into a relational format for use with a relational database management system (RDBMS). tRelational supports the Treehouse Software Data Propagation System (DPS) by generating all necessary parameters and mappings required to propagate ADABAS data and produces data definition language (DDL) to generate RDBMS schema.

To make the tasks of modeling and mapping even simpler, tRelationalPC (free with tRelational) is a windows-based graphical interface.

Features

* Compares generated PREDICT objects and physical ADABAS files to find discrepancies
* Analyzes ADABAS data to determine the usage and usefulness of ADABAS structures
* Generates the DDL statements to create the desired physical database structures in the RDBMS

Benefits

* Automates the procedures for analyzing the ADABAS design and usage to facilitate improvements in design and efficiency
* Automates the process of creating DPS code to extract ADABAS data and transform the data so that it can be loaded into an RDBMS

Data Propagation System (DPS)

Data Propagation System (DPS), from Treehouse Software, extracts and transforms ADABAS data for transfer to many popular relational database management systems (RDBMS) including MS-SQL-Server, ORACLE, Sybase, DB2 and Informix. Its highly efficient engine requires no direct ADABAS access — instead it uses the ADABAS backup (ADASAV) files to initially populate RDBMS tables and protection log (PLOG) files to keep the RDBMS tables synchronized with their related ADABAS files.

Features

* Uses ADABAS backup (ADASAV) and protection log (PLOG) files as data sources to avoid impacting the online transaction system.
* Transforms data fields from ADABAS format to RDBMS format
* Normalizes ADABAS data to meet the requirements of RDBMS systems

Benefits

* Allows the continued use of applications based on ADABAS while replicating the data into an RDBMS systems for business analysis or other data warehousing purposes.
* Provides near real-time synchronization of data between ADABAS and an RDBMS

Entire X Broker

Integrate all classes of applications across a variety of platforms with EntireX Broker from the Department of Information Services (DIS). EntireX Broker is a message-oriented middleware (MOM) offering, which allows users of Windows systems to integrate their applications with Unix systems and mainframes, enables use of existing mainframe applications, Web access to mainframe data and platform-to-platform interconnectivity (UNIX, AIX, NT, OS/390 and others).

EntireX is available from DIS, and is operating in a production environment at the departments of Labor & Industries, Social and Health Services, Health and Employment Security. These agency applications are primarily using Active Server Pages (ASP) and Visual Basic for client applications and Natural for mainframe server and backend applications. The EntireX toolset also includes DCOM wrappering and Java wrappering capabilities.

Features

* S/390, NT, Windows platforms can access EntireX software
* Enables Web access to mainframe data
* Facilitates platform-to-platform interconnectivity
* Enables use of existing mainframe applications, depending on how they are written

Benefits

* Easy to learn and use in a ADABAS/Natural environment
* Day-to-day administration requires minimal effort.
* Agencies currently using EntireX Broker are sharing their technologies and experiences.
* EntireX Broker has an interface to MQSeries, which is not currently installed or used.

Websphere MQ

Websphere MQ (formerly MQSeries) is a highly versatile software solution for application-to-application communications services regardless of where your applications or data reside. Whether on a single server, separate servers of the same type or separate servers of different architecture types, Websphere MQ facilitates communications between applications by sending and receiving message data. Applications then use the information in these messages to interact with Web browsers, business logic and databases.

Websphere MQ is a class of middleware software known as Message-Oriented Middleware (MOM). For many reasons, including market share, openness and strong third party vendor support, Websphere MQ is the de facto industry standard in message queuing technologies.

Features

* Add-on products facilitate many additional services such as message brokering (system integration, workflow), certificate security, monitoring, statistical reporting, analysis, wireless, and more.
* Open, flexible platform
* Strong customer support
* Application programming interface (API) supports a number of programming languages, including Visual Basic, NATURAL, COBOL, and C

Benefits

* Websphere MQ allows programmers to concentrate on application logic instead of message delivery issues
* The command set is consistent across all platforms, making coding easy on programmers
* Users can keep up with emerging technologies.
* Websphere MQ is the de facto industry standard for MOM
* It uses a small, standard API across all platforms
* Standard programming languages are supported: NATURAL, Visual Basic, COBOL, C
* In server-to-server configurations, assured, one-time delivery is available.
* Open architecture
* 300+ vendors actively develop supporting products
* Bridge products are available to integrate MQSeries with Microsoft's MSMQ and BizTalk

iWay Adapters

iWay adapters from iWay Software provide universal connectivity for integrating agency resources. iWay’s adapters

can provide access to agency resources residing on:

* a single server;
* separate servers using a single operating system; or
* separate servers using different operating systems.

The adapters can provide access to data sources such as ADABAS, DMS or SQL Server; transaction processors such as CICS or NATURAL; application systems such as SAP or People Soft; and many others. These adapters provide an easy-to-use tool that builds upon existing application development skills.

DIS has selected a small number of these adapters targeting some of our more widely used data sources: ADABAS, VSAM and sequential files on OS/390, and DMS files on Unisys. These adapters may be used directly on the OS/390 and Unisys mainframes, or indirectly from DIS’ Windows Integration server.

If these adapters don’t meet your needs, others are available. iWay Software has 250 adapters available for data and application access. Check out iWay's web site for a list of all of their adapters.

Features

* Enables Web access to mainframe data
* Enables access to CICS or NATURAL applications
* Adapters are available for OS/390, Unisys, UNIX and Windows platforms
* Facilitates platform-to-platform interconnectivity
* SQL access to non-SQL resources

Benefits

* Easy to learn and use
* Day-to-day administration requires minimal effort
* Users can keep up with emerging technologies
* Open architecture

Integration Services

Streamlining state government technology

Washington state agencies are increasingly asked to work as one entity to provide seamless services to citizens. However, government technology systems were originally designed for the needs of a single agency, making it difficult for agencies to share information with each other, and decreasing the level of service to citizens.

Washington State's Integration Competency Center (ICC) was created by the Information Services Board (ISB) to provide efficient, secure, and cost effective integration of information systems among multiple state agencies. The ICC provides a shared technology infrastructure that allows agency systems to interact according to industry best practices and the state's guidelines for systems integration.

Benefits

The ICC provides agencies with technical consultations, design, education and training, and technical and implementation support.

Features

* iWay Adapters
* Websphere MQ
* EntireX Broker
* Secure File Transfer

Unisys Mainframe Platform

The DIS Unisys platform provides the following services:

Online transactional system

Realtime enables transactions entered at remote terminals to be processed concurrently by customer written application programs. DIS supports a complement of seven application groups designed to help build and maintain the various customer applications.

Interactive computing

Demand services allow Unisys customers to develop data processing applications in an interactive mode. Various products may be used for creating, testing, and modifying computer programs, and to create, store, retrieve, and change both data and Job Control Language streams.

Database systems

DIS provides software and customer support for UDS, DMS and RDMS, including:

* Software installation, testing, implementation and maintenance
* Software problem diagnosis and correction
* Performance monitoring and tuning
* Answering questions about specific computing services
* Assisting customer in resolving database problems
* Coordinating the implementation of new or improved software with customers
* Assisting in or performing backups to ensure data integrity and allow for disaster recovery

Storage

Batch services

Batch jobs can be submitted from Remote Job Entry (RJE) stations, online terminals, over the counter, or be automatically submitted via job scheduling software.

System 390 (S/390) Mainframe Platform

The DIS S/390 platform operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The platform includes three mainframe processors running the IBM z/OS operating system. Mainframe operations are housed in the secure DIS data center, where we provide the following services to more than 100 state agencies:

Online processing (CICS)

DIS offers Customer Information Control System (CICS), an IBM systems software that enables transactions entered from remote terminals to be processed concurrently by application programs.

To submit a request to add, delete, or change CICS entries, please fill out the CICS Entry form and send it to Servicedesk@dis.wa.gov

To submit a request to add, delete, or change CICS VSAM file entries, please fill out the CICS VSAM Entry form and send it to Servicedesk@dis.wa.gov

Batch job processing

Batch jobs can be submitted from Remote Job Entry (RJE) stations, online terminals, over the counter, or be automatically submitted via job scheduling software.

Database systems

DIS provides software and customer support for ADABAS, DB2 and IMS, including:

* Software installation, testing, implementation and maintenance
* Software problem diagnosis and correction
* Performance monitoring and tuning
* Answering questions about specific computing services
* Assisting customer in resolving database problems
* Coordinating the implementation of new or improved software with customers
* Assisting in or performing backups to ensure data integrity and allow for disaster recovery

Storage

Interactive Computing

IBM's Time Share Option (TSO) is available at DIS. This service allows the interactive development of data processing applications. TSO may be used to create, test and modify computer programs and to create, store, retrieve and change data.

Customer Technical Support

DIS' technical support staff provides friendly and knowledgeable support for many batch and Time Share Option (TSO) products available on the S/390 mainframe.

Tumbleweed combines the right features with first-rate customer service

DIS began evaluating secure data transport solutions in 2001, settling on the Tumbleweed product because of its long list of valuable features and the high customer satisfaction rating this product received during the pilot.

Consistently, Secure File Transfer met these core requirements:

* Allows secure file transfer in both directions between the Internet and state networks
* File transfers can be done either with a browser or with a special client from Tumbleweed
* Secure transmission of file transfers
* Speed, accuracy and overall data transport security
* Encrypted communication channel for data transfers, i.e. data cannot be understood if intercepted during transmission
* Able to work with existing state infrastructure and mainframes
* Delivering high levels of authentication to meet HIPAA and other standards
* Browser support for ease of use on less complex projects
* Win32 API availability for extremely complex applications
* 128bit SSL security with all manipulations of data during the transfer process

Secure File Transfer

Secure File Transfer — secure data transmission over open networks

Transfer data between any two locations securely with Secure File Transfer. Encryption-based, Secure File Transfer delivers enterprise-grade security, reliability, scalability and performance at competitive pricing. Using the Tumbleweed product, Secure File Transfer is a turnkey, field-tested solution that works in large production environments, and guarantees that data transmissions will remain secure traveling across open networks.

Benefits of using Secure File Transfer

* Transfer data between any two locations securely
* Available to state, local and county governments
* Requires only a Web browser
* Complete automated transfers with a client
* Meets Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements for transfer of sensitive data
* Provides userid password protection and encrypted login process
* Offers firewall-protected servers
* Transfer to and from almost any type of computer including the DIS IBM and Unisys mainframes

Learn more about Secure File Transfer

Increasingly, large data centers and computing facilities are prohibiting File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfers of sensitive data over unprotected networks because FTP is unable to deliver encrypted data transfer. FTP can expose not only data but also passwords and filenames.

Secure File Transfer is the solution for the safe transfer of data needed to address required levels of authentication including digital certificates.

Secure File Transfer uses Tumbleweed SecureTransport™ service software designed to work with industry-standard technologies including SSL and HTTPS. Secure File Transfer encrypts all network traffic (data and control), and transfers files using a single TCP/IP port, allowing the transport to use a proxy server.

Client software is available for various computer platforms. Files can be sent securely and received via a Web browser, with a graphical client, or with a command line client. The command line client can be invoked in a script using commands similar to the FTP command set. Data is delivered more reliably than e-mail and at
network speed.

Secure File Transfer integrates with the state's security architecture while it safeguards document and data delivery over the Internet. Agencies can use this software solution to cover a wide range of applications at the same time they cut private network costs.

Virtual Server Hosting

Server Virtualization adds a layer of software (a “hypervisor”) between the hardware and the operating system. The hypervisor allows several operating systems, and related applications, to run on the same hardware. The DIS virtual servers feature VMware.

Without virtualization, 95% of Windows servers use less than 20% of their processor cpacity. Allowing one physical server to host multiple virtual machines delivers significant cost and time savings.

DIS Server Virtualization also offers new, efficient ways of managing, moving and maintaining applications through VMware “clusters.” For example:

* Provision new servers in hours rather than weeks
* Easily migrate to new hardware
* Take “snapshot” backups that allow return to an earlier configuration, in case upgrades turn out to be problematic
* Integrate with other DIS common services
* Achieve additional cost savings

DIS Virtual Server Hosting uses the VMware hypervisor to set up individual, virtual central processor units (CPUs), thereby increasing processing capacity in each server. The virtual VMware Center monitors each virtual server, adjusting and balancing workloads as needed. Balanced workloads can then function dynamically and without disruption.

Live Communications Service

Find and Instantly Communicate with Project Partners!

DIS Live Communications Service now offers instant messaging for agencies on the state government network (SGN) and using the Enterprise Active Directory. Help improve office efficiency with this easy to manage application.

The security enhanced Live Communications Service will:

* Find and communicate instantly with people on the network to increase productivity by speeding the decision-making process
* Collaborate with partners using the whiteboard function
* Allow you to utilize a real-time communications environment with presence awareness and instant messaging
* Provide peer to peer video conferencing capabilities
* Integrate with desktop and line of business applications seamlessly

Live Communications Service also integrates well with SharePoint!

UK government website design

Introduction: Usability issues for government websites

1. This document answers the question: “What is a good government website from a usability perspective?”
2. It assumes that most of the technical problems (including issues around website functionality) of getting online and making sure the website is quickly available have been solved. If you are providing online transactions, these should already be reliable and easily used. The website should already fit within your communicationstrategy and take its place among other channels, both digital and traditional. The website must, by law, be accessible to the disabled and must meet all other legal obligations. It should join up and work with the rest of the UK Online websites and initiatives. You will have considered how to make use of central infrastructure projects such as the Government Gateway.
3. The Office of the e-Envoy provides guidelines and frameworks to help achieve these aims. However, it is quite possible to have an accessible, legal and reliable website that meets government guidelines but that is still not a good website from a usability perspective. Underpinning this is an increasing focus on human centred design issues, supported by the standards ISO12407 and ISO TR 18529.
4. This Framework pulls together advice from a wide range of web publishers, usability experts, web designers, government web managers and academics to clarify what relevant usability and design criteria should be used when planning a government website or judging how good it is. This advice also draws on the current standards for human centred design.
5. This document is concerned exclusively with websites. It does not cover best practice for DiTV, WAP or SMS, though a good website will work within a strategy that includes these channels. The Quality Framework for UK Government Website Design is not concerned with special tasks associated with running database-driven or
content-managed sites. The document focuses on users and what they see.
6. "Government websites…must raise citizen confidence by enabling a good user experience. Therefore usability must be ensured."

Source: Usability Guidelines, Catriona Campbell and Brian Shackel

7. What is a good government website from a usability perspective? It is a website that meets the goals of stakeholders while meeting the needs of users in the performance of their tasks. It goes beyond minimum adherence to best practice and policy. In this case, ‘stakeholders’ is taken to mean those people who have control over the website’s budget and purpose.
8. “Many poorly designed and unusable systems exist which users find difficult to learn and complicated to operate. These systems are likely to be under-used, misused or fall into disuse with frustrated users maintaining their current working methods. The outcome is costly for the organisation using the system.”

Source: Methods to Support Human-Centred Design, Martin Maguire

9. The aim of this document is to provide Government web managers with awareness of issues that need to be addressed in incorporating users’ needs into the design process without government web managers having to be usability experts or having to interpret the ISO standard for web use.
10. Further, the Framework will provide web managers with:
A process for briefing and working with web designers.
Research-based recommendations for processes that are likely to result in more effective content and increased user satisfaction. A process for applying Human Centred Design (HCD) to online transactions.

Human Centred Design (HCD)

11. Human-Centred Design is an approach that will ensure the aims of the site can be fulfilled for real users. There is no one kind of user and most websites will have more than one target audience. Web managers and stakeholders such as Ministers will need to decide what audiences they most need to attract and which will serve to meet their aims on the site.
12. A good government website can be defined by compliance with the following points:

It has clear input from stakeholders about what the site’s aims and audience are.
In order to establish this, preliminary research should be carried out into what users need.
It will conduct tests frequently to determine if:
- the site is meeting users’ needs (especially for usability and accessibility) on an ongoing basis; and
- the aims of the stakeholders have been achieved.
The site will then be continually adapted to meet users’ needs.
The site will be accessible and usable.
The website will effectively achieve its aims.
13. Although each government website will have its own individual goals, this Framework will be relevant to all but to varying degrees of application - depending on the objective and complexity of the website. In addition, sites designed specifically to add value to campaigns (hereafter referred to as ’campaign sites’) will differ slightly in the application of human centred design. Where this is the case, attention has been drawn to the differences.
14. Campaign sites have clearly defined audiences that are driven to the site by offline media. Thus, tighter design specifications might be more effective, eg, designs aiming specifically to attract a youth audience may call for the use of animations. Furthermore, they are likely to use slogans and logos and adhere to brand qualities which designs for mainstream government sites may not.

Quality as a process

15. When quality is viewed as a process, two key points are ensured. First is that stakeholders’ aims are clear. Second is that users’ needs are met and their use of the site fulfils their aims.
16. Quality as process results in the continual improvement of government websites.
17. The main body of this Framework draws on the current standards for human centred design: ISO 13407 - Human-centred design processes for interactive systems and ISO TR 18529 – Ergonomics of human system interaction (see Appendix C for details). In particular it outlines the relevance of these standards in their application to public sector websites.
18. Section 2 of this document, Human Centred Design, contains a step-by-step guide to HCD for web managers to follow in order to achieve their goals.