Training

No secret to anyone in the Technical Services Group that we have some significant projects to implement this fiscal year. In addition to just the technical challenges we must also consider the impacts to the customer. A few of our projects could impact our customers significantly....now we could discuss whether that impact is real or perceived...it really doesn't matter. Fact is, our customers will be looking to us for guidance and the "how to's."

As a result, our front line IT employees need to be pondering and planning for the eventual roll-out. Two specific projects come to mind immediately on the Desktop side: Exchange/Outlook and Office 2007. While Exchange is a just an email solution, it does have a little different look and feel than our current system. That fact will require some prep work by IT Staffers. Office `07, while just a newer version than our current product, it too has a different look and feel to it.

Part of the role we need to be playing is putting a game plan in place to also help the customer adjust quickly and smoothly to the looming changes. I'm aware some thought has been given to this "education" process already....but it is NOT complete. We have technical staff who interact with customers on a daily basis....they understand competency levels and typical issues encountered. We must have that input/suggestions/comments to ensure successful implementation. So speak up, provide your input and suggestions to ensure the projects success .

I eagerly look forward to the changes coming this fiscal year as I believe many of our projects are tied specifically towards the long term growth of this Agency. With some of these news tools in place, we are better positioned to help move the Agency forward and enhance the communication abilities both internal and externally.

TAFN