The Information Technology (IT) Department serves as the catalyst for helping Guilford County toward a future of operational excellence. We are implementers of technology, and strategic partners to county departments. We implement and support business systems that optimize performance and empower service delivery to citizens.
Our mission is to “implement efficient, effective and responsive business systems through continuous improvement and investment in technology and people”. We achieve this through the relentless pursuit of quality service delivery, nurturing a culture of continuous learning within our team, and ensuring our systems remain robust and adaptable to the ever-evolving needs of the organization. The IT Department is committed to building a future where technology empowers every aspect of Guilford County’s success.
Information Technology Services
Application Services encompass web and mobile application development, software solution design and implementation, data reporting, and enterprise application support. The Application Software Services team supports county departments in meeting their operational needs through:
- Facilitating technology requirements gathering and tracking metrics to measure the value of workflows, applications implementation and support.
- Evaluating and selecting enterprise application packages and interfaces.
- Implementing large scale vendor supported enterprise systems and upgrades.
- Developing software applications for public and internal use.
- Creating user documentation, system procedures, and providing end-user training.
Data and Analytic Services include setting the county data and analytic strategy, defining and maturing county data operationalization capabilities, introducing and maturing needed county and citizen-facing data and analytic services, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Infrastructure and Operational Services is the foundation of Information Technology, which provides essential end user support and ensures technology systems are continuously available. The Infrastructure and Operations teams consist of:
- Deliver first level technology support to county staff.
- Provide end-user technical assistance by troubleshooting hardware, software, and other technologies to ensure county staff have the tools to perform their role.
- Design, implement, and maintain Infrastructure for the organization's back-end systems, including email, productivity tools, servers, storage, cloud services along with specialized application support to ensure a secure and scalable environment.
- Ensure reliable connectivity and telecommunications by managing network infrastructure, internet access, Wi-Fi wireless, VoIP systems, telephone call centers, to enable accessibility.
Information Security Services are essential in safeguarding and protecting data, maintaining privacy, and ensuring the integrity and availability of the Information Technology Systems that support the County's mission, vision, and core values. The Information Security team provides Information Security Services by:
- Partnering with County departments to identify potential Cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities to critical Information Technology Systems through Cyber and Information Security risk assessments.
- Prioritizing, managing, communicating, and monitoring Cyber and Information Security vulnerability and risk mitigation efforts.
- Protecting County Information Technology Systems from Cyber and Information Security threats through Identity Management, Multifactor and User Authentication, Access Control, Data Encryption and Endpoint Protection.
- Implementing and maintaining tools to monitor networks and systems that enable the timely discovery of suspicious and malicious activity, threat signatures, and other potential events that may indicate a Cybersecurity attack or incident.
- Investigating and responding to potential Cybersecurity events and incidents timely and effectively to reduce the risk of exposure and harm to County Information Technology Systems as well as ensure their recoverability.
- Educating employees and users on best practices for information security, recognizing threats, reporting potential incidents, and maintaining safe and secure use of Information Technology Systems.
IT business services are essential for managing the overall strategy, planning, fiscal, and HR operations within an organization, ensuring that technology is aligned with county goals by:
- Setting Strategic Goals and Objectives: Leading the development of the direction in which the IT department and the organization should move, including technological advancements, innovation, and ensuring the alignment of IT initiatives with county targeted outcomes.
- Budgeting: Creating and managing the IT budget, ensuring that there is adequate funding for operations, investments in new technologies, and other necessary initiatives while controlling costs.
- Procurement: Identifying, evaluating, and acquiring the necessary technology solutions, hardware, and software tools that are essential for the organization's operations.
- Managing Vendor Relationships: Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with external vendors to ensure that the organization gets the best value for its money and that service delivery is reliable and efficient.
- Project/Program Management: Leading and overseeing the successful delivery of significant IT projects and programs, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget, and meeting targeted County outcomes. Developing standard project and project portfolio management practices for the IT Department.
These services ensure that IT departments can effectively support county needs.