Information & Communication Technology Teams

Duties:

 Our Database Administration group is responsible for the design, development, implementation and maintenance of database and data structures throughout their life cycle. The database group manages enterprise level databases in both the production and development environments, database servers and their resident databases. Performance monitoring, backup/recovery, problem research and error analysis are performed daily.

The group also supports new development efforts from a database design, model management and object development perspective. Harford County Government currently resides on the following platforms: Enterprise level databases for Microsoft SQL 2008, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2019

The Geographic Information System (GIS) section of ICT is responsible for the maintenance and distribution of County spatial data. Examples of data layers include planimetric, topographic, orthophotography, lidar, and cadastral. Data is stored in an enterprise geodatabase , file geodatabases, and shapefiles, and is accessed and shared through a variety of ESRI products, including ArcGIS, ArcGIS Server, and ArcGIS Online.

Duties:
Our Network/Systems Architecture group installs, maintains and troubleshoots network and telephony (voice) services to over 60 sites throughout Harford County. The data network provides employee computer access to email, network shared drives, server and mainframe applications (examples: Interactive Workforce, FAMIS, ADPICs), VPN for working from home and a secure connection to the Internet for web browsing. 

Network Services:
Telecommunications provides the above services over 4 types of networks:

• Internet – In addition to general web browsing, the Internet is used to provide private and secured communications to several remote locations
• Local Area Network (LAN) – provides communications within a building or site between desktop computers, laptops and printers
• Metro Area Network (MAN) – provides communications over Harford County’s privately built fiber network in downtown Bel Air; currently connecting 14 buildings
• Wide Area Network (WAN) – provides communications over greater distances to remote sites throughout the county via local carriers

Phone Lines:
The county phone systems, provisioned by Telecommunications, are called PBXs (private branch exchanges). These PBX systems, in addition to basic voice calls, provide features such as voice mail, conferencing, paging, directory listings, transferring and menu/trees. An additional component to the telephony services is the acquisition and administration of cell phone and wireless broadband devices.

Duties:

Desktop

Desktop is responsible for all county departments and agencies desktop, laptops, and peripherals, such as printers, scanners, Blackberrys, etc. The team will setup and configure computers for new users as well as perform any physical work related to other locations. With remote access, the team is able to solve many service desk issues from their base location; however, at times there is still a need for on-site support visits to work on issues.

Interactive Workforce

Log in to view the Harford County Government Interactive Workforce website.

Security & Virus

Computer viruses and spyware are real and infect PCs worldwide. Learning the basics of where viruses originate from and providing security measures to circumvent them are important. Review the following resources to help prevent outbreaks and becoming a victim.

Virus Origins

Viruses are created by programmers, both amateur and professional. Amateurs often create viruses simply to show off their programming skills to the world. Professionals are increasingly creating viruses to steal information and money. There are even malicious virus writers who are seeking only to harm other people's property and livelihoods.

 Protect Yourself from Viruses

You can proactively block viruses from getting into your system by taking the following all-important steps:

• Be very careful about giving out personal information online, especially credit card or banking information.
• Don't open email attachments from strangers and unknown sources. Opening spam or junk email - especially unknown attachments - risks a virus infection that could cripple your computer, damage your files or steal your personal information.
• Download responsibly. Make sure that you only download software from companies that you trust. File sharing services can be a source of infection, as can pirated software.
• Make sure you know where your information is going before sharing it, and ensure that you make all of your online purchases via secure services.
• Make sure your antivirus software is up to date because it protects you from all the latest threats.

You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:

• You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.
• You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and it’s difficult to get rid of it.
• You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Internet.
• Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
• Your Internet browser’s home page (the page your browser first opens to) or your browser search settings have changed without you knowing.

Server & Storage

Server and Storage is responsible for all servers within the county including all remote departments and agencies equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, network authentication, network shares, network resources, email accounts, and all aspects of server software. It also includes more advanced services such as storage or content management systems, and other department specific server based applications.

Service Desk

Service Desk is to provide front-line support for our county systems and services. The following functions are performed by the group:

• Records all necessary information about each request or problem so that calls can be logged and problems tracked to resolution.
• Research and escalate any request or problem to the next level of support in order to be resolved.
• Respond to each call or ViewIT Self Service ticket in a timely manner.
• Strive to resolve the issue during the initial call or request within a reasonable time frame.

Harford County Government departments can log their service desk requests by accessing ViewIT Self Service.

ViewIT

Service Desk requests submitted via ViewIT Self Service are automatically entered into our system, thus increasing response time. You will receive a confirmation email message with your ticket number, plus you can check on the status of your requests at any time. To submit a Service Desk request, perform the following steps:

1. Click Login
2. Click How Can We Help You
3. Type a description of your request
4. Click Submit

Questions concerning ViewIT Self Service can be directed to our Technical Support Service Desk at extension 3237.