Information Technology
The Information Technology (IT) provides technical services to TFC in networking, desktop/server support, Applications Development, policy and procedures, and project management. Included in the IT responsibilities are Strategic Planning, Data Security, and Biennial Operation Planning for Information Technology.
Information Resource Management
The Chief Information Officer is responsible for providing the leadership in technical support to TFC in various hardware and software applications and ensuring the agency is effectively managing its information technology resources including strategic planning and management. In addition, the CIO is responsible for IT related contract management and acquisition. The CIO directs daily operations of Texas Data Center Services, TFC’s IT network, system administration and application support.
IT is logically divided into the following sections; each led by an area manager. The following is a brief description of each area:
IT Network Operations/Help Desk
IT Operations supports the TFC production computer environment that includes; network infrastructure for several buildings in 4 cities, file/print services, database servers and workstations. Operations also manage agency telecommunications, electronic fax services and routed data. Operations services are as follows;
Tier One Support |
Telecommunications management and software compliance and inventory tracking |
Tier Two Support |
Primary support for the help desk, mobile computing, smart phones/wireless broadband, and handles seat management |
Tier Three Support |
Responsible for account management, e-mail support, hardware and software configuration and basic server support. |
Texas Data Center Services Center |
Provides advanced server support and system administration, network design and planning of agency retained DCS functions. |
Application Support
Application Support provides development and support for 39 applications statewide and internal to the Commission. Application Support also provides IT support for the implementation of new systems, through project management, system analysis, design and programming. The Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility Coordinator is assigned to the Support group to oversee compliance with the accessibility rules assigned by the State of Texas in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Chapters 206 and 213. Support is organized as follows:
Programming and Development |
Provides primary support in creating and maintaining public domain and commercial software applications for TFC Administration, Procurement, Construction and Maintenance divisions. |
Database Administration |
Responsible for developing and maintaining the Commission’s data dictionaries, designing and monitoring the performance of databases and applications, and enforcing standards for database use and security. |
Project Management Analysis and Design |
Provides planning and co-ordination of IT projects and resources. Manages the process of analysis and review of business requirements, modeling for application design, development of software specifications, software design standards and heuristics, software testing and debugging, and the development of an implementation plan for the automated system. |
Texas Data Center Services Center |
A Customer Service Representative with the primary responsibility to interface with DIR and the vendor for delivery of DCS services. |
Building Controls Network Operations
The BCN operations manages and maintains all HVAC, Energy, Security and Fire related activities for the TFC network infrastructure of approximately 150 buildings in 4 cities. The BCN provides the network architecture or backbone connectivity for all network transmissions and communications from the NOCs and remote sites to ensure 24x7x365 real-time monitoring by TFC.
Network Design, Architecture & Growth / Expansion |
Network management, prototyping, software compliance, traffic and bandwidth analysis, software compatibility and inventory tracking / recapitulation |
Configuration, Installation and Ongoing Support |
Primary support for the BCN, systems configuration, systems installation, wireless broadband, and handles seat management for metered products |
Network Configuration, Troubleshooting & Administration |
Responsible for account management, e-mail support, hardware and software configuration and server support. Also, responsible for all BCN wiring topology, reliability and fiber connectivity between all buildings and locations. |
Data analysis, Network Modeling & Simulation |
Provides advanced network and server support, system administration, network design and capacity planning of agency equipment. Test and ensures compatibility of new equipment and devices to the existing network. |