C. Supporting Initiatives
The initiatives described below are already underway. They are included in this strategic plan to underscore their importance in building the foundation necessary to achieve the vision.
| Second data center |
| Description | The new IT Bond provides funding for a second Commonwealth Data Center located in Springfield |
| Goals | - Increase the data center capacity for Commonwealth systems
- Improve the availability of Commonwealth systems
- Create a state-of-the art "green" data center
|
| Major Components | - Complete the site selection process
- Obtain agency application recovery requirements
- Design the new data center to meet the program requirements and Greening-of-IT objectives
- Construct the new data center
- Commission the data center and migrate systems/applications
|
| System modernization |
| Description | The new IT Bond provides funding for the modernization of enterprise mission-critical Commonwealth systems |
| Goals | - Re-engineer business processes and where appropriate continue to move services online
- Re-architect systems using Service Oriented Architectures while leveraging existing investments where possible
- Create shared infrastructure and business components that can be used by other applications and agencies
- Build accessibility features into systems where appropriate
|
| Major Components | - Draft vision and conceptual architecture for each system
- Evaluate marketplace using mechanisms such as Requests for Information
- Construct procurement and contract using best practices for complex IT projects
- Manage project using Commonwealth standard project management methodologies
|
| IT recruitment and training |
| Description | Implement a coordinated approach for IT staff recruitment and training across the enterprise. A partnership with UMass is being implemented to provide IT training for staff and recruitment of graduating computer science majors for permanent jobs. |
| Goals | - Provide a cost-effective mechanism to ensure the currency of skills for IT staff
- Provide a pipe-line of new talent to address potential staffing shortfalls presented by an aging workforce
- Prevent duplication of training and recruitment efforts by taking an enterprise approach
|
| Major Components | - Assess results of pilot
- Identify additional training needs
- Identify consistent funding model
- Develop a plan to scale program to meet needs
- Manage and oversee program
- Evaluate program results
|
| Project management methodology |
| Description | Establish consistent project management standards across all agencies to ensure projects are completed on-time, on-budget and on-value |
| Goals | - Leverage industry best practices to develop the "Commonwealth Way" for project management
- Increase level of skills and proficiency for Commonwealth project managers
- Produce artifacts that will enable effective project oversight
|
| Major Components | - Draft project management methodology and standards
- Train staff on new methodology
- Evaluate effectiveness continually, and modify methodology as necessary
|
Created 12/2/08: Information provided by ITD's Planning & Strategy Office
