Information Technology Services

There are currently three initiatives underway related to Information Technology Services:

• Lower Mainland Technology Services Consolidation (FHA, PHSA, VCH – PHC)
• Desktop Management Services (all six health authorities)
• Provincial Data Centre (all six health authorities)

Lower Mainland Technology Services Consolidation
Consolidation of Technology Services (TS) operations and infrastructure across the three lower mainland health authorities – FH, PHSA and VCH (along with VCH’s affiliate Providence Health Care) - will create the technical foundation that enables integrated and standardized clinical and business operations within a more homogeneous and sustainable IT operating environment.

The following services are included:
Workplace Technologies – desktop management and technologies (see item #2 below), directories, messaging, service desk and customer service
Data Centre – services, server technologies, SAN technologies (see item #3 below)
Network Services – data, voice

SSO works to leverage existing knowledge and expertise within the health authorities. Throughout the implementation of the consolidation plan, consultation with key stakeholders, including staff, unions and clients will be an important part of the process.

The first step will be recruitment of a Chief Technology Officer to head up the consolidated service within SSO.

Desktop Management Services
Work is currently underway to define common requirements for a consolidated Desktop Management Service (DMS) for all six health authorities. As with Supply Chain Services, SSO has identified the potential for savings through greater standardization and consolidated procurement.

Provincial Data Centre Initiative
The BC government’s Strategic Transformation Mainframe Service (STMS), will create a provincial data centre. STMS provides for a data centre outside of earthquake zones, redundant network capabilities and disaster recovery options, extensive information security provisions, and storage / backup services that ensure the integrity and reliability of data. SSO can use the government's facilities and storage capacity to meet the needs of the health authorities. The provincial data centre is expected to be ready for service in 2011. Health Authorities will transition over a four year period starting in 2011.