Agenda - 05-16-1995 - IX-B - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY Automation of information and referral in Orange County is technically feasible. According to the Orange County Data Processing Department, the County may use the server located in the Whitted Building to link county agencies and outside agencies to a centralized information and referral system. The information and referral system will also be modem-accessible for service providers and citizens to access information via telephone lines from their home or office. The County is presently in the process of upgrading hardware and software in agencies and installing local area networks. Within six months, all county agencies will be fully automated. Outside agencies with the acquisition of a windows compatible PC with a modem and access to phone lines will also be able to access information from the server located in the Whitted Building. Both of these efforts will assist Orange County in providing all agencies with the capability to utilize an automated information and referral system. EXPENSES The start-up capital expenses will be the largest expense incurred by the County for the implementation of an automated I&R system. The software and hardware are both included in the total cost of start-up capital expenses for an I&R system. In addition to hardware and software, other expenses are also included such as; cabling, training, telephone system, hearing impaired terminals, promotions, and data entry. In an effort to implement an information and referral system in a timely manner, it is recommended that a referral package is purchased that may be customized to fit the needs of Orange County. In order to properly run the information and referral system, the County should also purchase at least five 486 computers with modems. The total estimated cost for start-up capital expenses is $67,000 (see appendix 1).