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43 <br /> ensure wise investments. First, a cost-benefit analysis of projects should be undertaken, along with a <br /> clear, multi-year understanding of the total cost of ownership for a given project. The total cost of <br /> ownership includes hardware and software maintenance, ongoing training, support and operations <br /> and allows the government to plan its expenditures in an appropriate manner without neglecting the <br /> funding requirements of the project in the years to come. In addition, upgrades and replacement <br /> plans for systems are imperative and must be included in the budget. Ideally, the County should <br /> separate its budget requests and funding for ongoing IT infrastructure and maintenance from the IT <br /> project budget requests and funding (typically focused on user departments). <br /> Orange County is a successful, technology-friendly government and should continue investing in <br /> technology to enhance the internal and external services of the organization. As the County keeps its <br /> eye on growth and the future, it is imperative that technology investments keep pace with that vision. <br /> Orange County is moving into another exciting period of growth and renewal and it is critical that <br /> technology serve as a tool for improving efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, technology will <br /> allow the County to grow quickly and respond to increase customer demands. <br /> "The number one benefit of information technology is that <br /> it empowers people to do what they want to do. <br /> It lets people be creative. It lets people be productive. <br /> It lets people learn things they didn't think they could learn before, <br /> and so in a sense it is all about potential." <br /> Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO <br /> 41 <br />