Waterford, White Lake earn award for IT service sharing

Waterford and White Lake townships were recognized for their collaborative efforts in information technology when they earned the award for Best Technology Project of 2011 from the Michigan Chapter of Government Management Information Science (Mi-GMIS).

Mi-GMIS is the state chapter of the federal organization that is comprised of information system (IS) professionals from cities, townships, villages, counties and states at large.

The award specifies that Waterford contracted with White Lake to provide information technology (IT) support and services. The project involved a point-to-point wireless network connection between the two communities that allows White Lake to use Waterford’s IT infrastructure.

“I think our IS Department is top-notch and the award is well deserved from the quality standpoint of the work they do and the perseverance of the occupation of keeping up with the equipment, as well as the established broadband wireless system,” said Waterford Township Supervisor Carl Solden. “They deserve all the recognition they can get.”

“Along with Waterford, I am honored to have received this award,” said White Lake Township Supervisor Greg Baroni. “Additionally, I can highly recommend resource sharing to other communities; it’s a win-win situation for all involved.”

Waterford, over the years, has invested in sophisticated networking and application infrastructure. Moreover, Waterford houses its own IT department, whereas White Lake does not.

In exchange for an annual support fee, Waterford provides White Lake with IT services that White Lake lacks internally. Now the White Lake Township Hall offices are tied into Waterford’s system and able to provide the community with Internet service.

“One of my goals upon taking office was to bring White Lake up-to-date in computerized technology, including software as well as hardware,” Baroni said. “When we began discussing the assets of sharing resources with our good neighbor, Waterford, it was mutually beneficial to everyone concerned.”