Project Update - April 2002
[updated April 30, 2002]

Project Update
We continue to make significant progress toward providing technology to town employees as well as training on the use of that technology. Major highlights of the project since the January report: the continued installation of computers into individual offices, the beginning of resident training on the Microsoft Office Suite including email, and Windows. The town has hired Brad Dzierzak as its first IT employee. Finally, most of the remote offices have been connected to the town network. The end result of all this fine work is that the Town is beginning to utilize the new software tools to use in its day-to-day business operation.

Operational Detail
Town Fiber
Description: install fiber-optic cable to the buildings as defined in the agreement.
Status: On April 13th, 2001 the installation of fiber-optic cable into the following buildings was completed: Fire station, Town Hall, Academy Building, Selectmen’s Office and the Library. The installation of fiber into the Bridgewater-Raynham high school is temporarily on hold. We have priced out fiber links to BR high school, Middle School, Elementary School, Senior Center, Conant Center as well as the new fire station.
Issue: None
Completion Date: April 13, 2001

Remote Offices
Description: install network connections, using either leased lines or wireless to remote offices identified in the agreement: McElwain, Sewer Plant, Highway Dept., Senior Center, Golf Course, and the Recreation Dept. Future installs include the new police and new fire stations.
Status: All town buildings except the golf course are connected. The golf course is scheduled for May 1, 2002
Issue: None.
Estimated completion: Spring 2002

Wire Computers
Description: this is the wiring needed to connect each computer to the network. As of today, over 85 locations have been wired.
Status: Complete as per agreement
Issue: None. Additional wiring provided on an as needed basis
Completion Date: April 2001.

Network Electronics
Description: connect computers in each building to the network. The connection is made through boxes called routers and switches. Routers will be used when fiber is the connection medium; switches will be used for wireless or copper connections.
Status: Network electronics have been installed in all buildings except McElwain, BRHS, and the Golf Course. Electronics for wireless are needed in the Library, and Williams (not in agreement).
Issue: None.
Estimated completion: Spring, 2002.

Internet Connectivity
Description: provide Internet connectivity for the Town. Once computers are configured and deployed, Town employees will be able to browse the Internet, send and receive email and connect to the Town web site.
Status: The Town is now connected to the Internet through the College via fiber-optic cable at a speed of 768kbps.
Completion Date: May 1, 2001.

Application Servers and Services
Description: install hardware and software to enable email, file sharing, printing, and web services on servers. Software includes client applications like MS2000 Office. Servers will host software for the business applications listed below.
Status: Five servers are installed at Town Hall and are “live” on the town network. Email was tested and works with the new domain name of user@bridgewaterma.org. The list of Town employees has been received. User accounts, profiles, and directory information are complete. The Pamet server has been installed.
Issue: None
Completion Date: October 31, 2001

Town Web Site
Description: design, program, and install the town web site.
Status: The town web site is located at www.bridgewaterma.org. Town employees are now able to install content directly. The college has trained and provided software tools to enable selected individuals at the town to keep content fresh. The college will be used for more technical oriented tasks as needed for the town web page.
Issue: None
Completion Date: January 2002

Computer Access
Description: provide 13 computers as required by the agreement.
Status: Over 95 computers and 8 printers are connected to the town network. The college has provided 39 new and 20 recycled computers.
Issues: More recycled or new computers will be needed. Kiosks should be placed in the foyers of some buildings. The project has overspent the budget allowance for computers.
Estimated Completion Date: Spring 2002.

Training
Description: train town employees and residents on the following: Windows 2000, Office 2000, email, and web browsing. Employees using the new applications like the Treasurer and Assessor’s packages will also be trained. There will be residents training on web browsing and other applications.
Status: 9 different training seminars have been held for approximately 35 individual employees encompassing 41 two-day sessions. Training seminars have been on the Internet, WWW, Windows, email, Outlook, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel. Training for 15 residents took place in the Library. Senior citizen and the second round of resident training begin May 22nd in the Senior Center. The College has provided 15 new computers for this training.
Issues: None.
Estimated Completion Date: TBD

Business Applications
Description: software required as per the agreement. The three deliverables include applications for the Assessor’s, Treasurer’s, and Police and Fire departments.
Status: Assessor and Treasurer’s software installed and online. Waiting on Pamet to complete the conversion procedure. A town technology specialist was trained on the Pamet application. Pamet requires Microsoft Terminal server to provide remote access to the cruisers. 
Issue: The Pamet installation is on hold. 
Estimated Completion Date: October 1, 2001 for Acone and Treasurer’s software. Spring 2002 for Pamet.

Project Management
Description: miscellaneous consulting, and management of the project by College staff and others. User support/help desk included.
Status: The town has hired Brad Dzierzak.
Issues: Network security discussion with resulting policy recommended.
Estimated completion: April 8, 2005

Next Steps
Finishing the connection of remote offices as well as the installation of computers at those offices will complete the infrastructure installation. Training of town residents on web browsing and other application will begin in the Senior Center. There will be a continuation of the installation and/or upgrade of computers and printers to selected offices, as usage continues. A firewall will be installed in the Police Dept. to protect the Pamet server. Filtering software will be needed for the schools.