3. How is your organization limited by what you have access to? What is the workaround you’ve adopted because of it?
· All methods should be used
o Diverse numbers of methods (no one size fits all) – including emerging technologies
· Cell coverage is an issue (public health nurses can’t connect directly)
o Enter data offline
o Dialup (sometimes client phones)
· Residents do all work over the phone (limited use of the the Internet). Online is not an option
· Students don’t always have access to high-speed Internet (limits the amount and type of online materials)
· Govt regulations inhibit access (HIPAA) – cannot use unsecured wireless for transmission of data
· Tech support – No one can afford what they need
· Solution – shared services at the county level may help (web site and technical support to the towns – the BOCES model)
· Nice to have a pool of specialty resources (network engineering, applications programmers, etc)
· Training – time spent in training pulls them aware from the work that needs to be done
· Manual to Automation – the time and money it takes to make the transition is not attainable.
· Capital – having the income to invest in the technology and applications
· Work Around – utilization of open source software to build application s to run the organization as an alternative to off the shelf applications. Single platform can cover many aspects of the business.
· Organizations within the area do not have support , even if the money is available the skills may not exist to implement the technology. Reliant on out of county resources.
· Funding issues – example – there is money for the technology but not funding for the staff to utilize the technology (libraries)
· Intial funding is easier to obtain then ongoing maintenance costs
· Employee resistance to use technology
· Inequity of service in the county based on location and rural areas
· Shared services – smaller municipalities don’t have the funds for expensive technology items, but could use them if available
· Desire by business to use local providers and consultants, but the availability isn’t keeping up with expanding use of technology.
· Young professionals are not willing to move to areas where they can’t get cell phone and Internet access – limits the labor pool and makes retention difficult
· In the past, cabling was limiting. Now that connectivity is in place software programs are not communicating well. Integration of software packages is a limiting fact
· Industry needs to work together locally to get integration
· Home Internet access limits the ability of gov and schools from providing information to residents
· Continuing education – can’t do it locally (provide it) so people are going out of the area. Limited connectivity counters online courses
· Lack of cell coverage limits the ability of employees to get alarms (network etc). Can’t get alarms unless they are home. Must stay home when on call.
· Not enough money for staff to maintain the systems
· Slow phasing is an approach to implementing technology to save on costs
· Flexible plans that allow changing of priorities
· Implementing technology programs in school – teacher education is an issue -
o Peer training can be used to increase usage
· Not getting voicemail, mobile workers not possible
· Physical limitation for PC (library)
· Small business need a technology plan
o Avoid re-active technology implementation
· Elevating IT within the organization – it’s evolved and needs to be more of a focus
· Need for hosted services – small businesses need the technology, but can’t afford a technology staff
· Forum for understanding best practices for small business – shared services, what can & can’t be collaborative
· Education & facilitation for technology use
· Remote areas have no access to cell or broadband – public safety issue
· Seasonal areas – seasonal residents expect services, may go elsewhere to get them.
· End user equity issues
· Lack of consistent infrastructure – difficult for businesses
· Lack of willingness to share infrastructure
· Confusion of who owns data (govt and towns)
o Look to other areas in the state and how they address their issues
· Inertia – where to begin
· Provide and enhance consistency and communication
o Leadership
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