Case Study 2: Florida Department Of Management Services

Case Study 2 Florida Department Of Management Services Part One

In the early 1990s, the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) developed a comprehensive information systems network serving state agencies across multiple regional sites, interconnected via an IBM Systems Network Architecture (SNA) mainframe-based network. Recognizing the need for expansion, DMS aimed to incorporate TCP/IP and Internet capabilities to enhance application access and communication. This transition was achieved within 30 months, establishing a statewide TCP/IP network, providing Internet services, and developing web applications for personnel, accounting, and billing systems, resulting in significant cost savings exceeding $4 million.

The initial infrastructure relied heavily on proprietary SNA technology, with connections established via T-1 and T-3 lines linking regional SNA control processors with a central mainframe in Tallahassee. To evolve the network and enable Internet access, DMS opted to deploy routers, notably Cisco 7000s at regional sites, connecting them through digital access cross-connect switches (DACS). These switches managed traffic segregation, directing SNA and TCP/IP packets appropriately and creating a mesh network among regional centers. The mainframe at Tallahassee was connected via high-capacity routers to the Internet and to routers at each regional site, facilitating seamless data exchange and providing public web access.

Alongside network infrastructure development, DMS implemented various applications to leverage the upgraded connectivity. The first major application was a client/server employment management system, replacing a slow and clumsy mainframe interface with a UNIX server that regularly synchronized employee data. This system, accessible via a web-based application called Copesview, improved user interaction by enabling dynamic searches and report generation. Similarly, the Spursview purchasing application was adapted from the mainframe SPURS system, allowing users to perform complex searches and generate visual data reports, ultimately improving procurement workflows.

The integration of Internet and intranet applications extended DMS's capabilities further. The data center maintains a secured internet link with a firewall, enabling web-based services such as job postings, vendor information, and online procurement. Notably, the online job portal allows applicants to search and apply for vacancies—over 8,000 daily—while the vendor portal streamlines access to contract and product information, formerly managed with manual processes and floppy discs. Future plans include implementing online purchasing systems for streamlined, automatic procurement, requiring rigorous user authentication and system integration.

Public-facing applications like the Florida Community Network (FCN) serve as vital communication channels, averaging one million hits per month, providing citizens with easy access to government services such as fishing licenses, which can now be obtained entirely online—eliminating bureaucratic delays and physical visits. Additional services include a state directory and distance learning platforms, enhancing government transparency and educational access.

In 2007, DMS undertook a significant network upgrade, renaming it MyFloridaNet, to incorporate modern TCP/IP architecture and advanced technology standards while maintaining core connectivity principles. This evolution exemplifies proactive adaptation to technological advancements, fostering more efficient government operation and service delivery.

Paper For Above instruction

The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) exemplifies how government agencies can leverage technological advancements to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery. The transition from a proprietary SNA-based network to an expansive TCP/IP and Internet-enabled infrastructure demonstrates strategic planning, technical innovation, and forward-thinking leadership, which are crucial elements in modern digital governance.

Initially, DMS's network depended heavily on IBM's SNA technology, a dominant framework during the early 1990s that facilitated communication between regional sites and a central mainframe in Tallahassee. While the SNA network was reliable, it was not designed for the dynamic, internet-enabled applications required in the contemporary digital environment. Recognizing this limitation, DMS set out to incorporate TCP/IP and Internet capabilities to improve connectivity, streamline operations, and foster citizen engagement through web-based services.

The decision to build an on-premise routing infrastructure rather than outsourcing was pivotal. DMS rejected telco-provided routing services due to the absence of router-based services at the time, vendor hesitations in product compatibility, and regulatory restrictions against colocating equipment in telco central offices. Instead, they chose to implement their own routers, primarily Cisco 7000 series devices, which provided robust management and configuration capabilities. Deploying routers at each regional site and connecting them with high-capacity links created a resilient, scalable, and manageable network architecture.

The network transformation involved deploying digital access cross-connect switches (DACS) that segregated SNA and TCP/IP traffic effectively, ensuring that legacy mainframe traffic was preserved while enabling new internet-based applications. The mesh architecture created among regional centers provided high redundancy and reliability. Connectivity from regional centers to the mainframe was maintained, but the focus shifted towards enabling internet access at the agency level, facilitating faster data exchange and enabling new web-based applications.

Application development was a critical component of DMS's modernization strategy. Replacing batch processing with real-time, client/server applications improved user responsiveness and productivity. The employee management system, for example, transitioned to a UNIX-based server architecture that synchronized with mainframe data, offering employees and administrators more control and flexibility. Similarly, the procurement system adopted a web-based interface, allowing staff to perform complex searches and generate reports, significantly shortening processing times and reducing manual effort.

The integration of internet services extended DMS’s reach to the public and internal stakeholders alike. Secure internet gateways, protected by firewalls, enabled public access to vital government services such as job postings, vendor information, and licensing. Citizens could now apply for fishing licenses or access contract details through web portals, obviating long lines and manual paperwork. These web services fostered transparency and administrative efficiency while reducing operational costs.

Among the innovative web-based services was the Florida Community Network (FCN), which served as a conduit for citizen engagement and information dissemination. With over one million hits per month, the FCN underscored the potential for government portals to facilitate self-service and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. For example, Mrs. X, a citizen, could apply for a fishing license online, paying and submitting forms from her home devices, illustrating the shift towards e-government and digital convenience.

The adoption of online procurement platforms further demonstrated DMS’s commitment to digital transformation. Previously resource-intensive and manual, procurement processes now utilized web portals where vendors could upload documentation, and staff could automate ordering and approval workflows. Such systems fostered transparency, efficiency, and accountability, vital for public trust and service excellence.

The network upgrade in 2007, culminating in the rebranding as MyFloridaNet, reflected DMS’s ongoing commitment to modernization. This upgrade incorporated new architecture and technology standards, ensuring the network remained adaptive to future demands. It provided a solid foundation for expanding online government services, enhancing inter-agency communications, and supporting new initiatives like distance learning and digital citizen engagement. Such continuous improvement exemplifies how government agencies must evolve with technological innovation to fulfill their mission effectively.

In conclusion, DMS's journey from an SNA-based network to a modern, internet-enabled infrastructure demonstrates strategic foresight and technological agility. Strategic investments in network hardware, application development, and citizen-centric web services have transformed Florida’s government operations. As digital governance continues to evolve, agencies like DMS serve as exemplars for leveraging ICT to promote transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement, ultimately fulfilling their mandate more effectively in the digital age.

References

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• UN Public Administration Network. (2012). E-Government Development Model. United Nations.
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