The government of the Confederated Tribes is charged with securing and protecting the perpetual health and prosperity of the Tribes. To make this possible, sound decision-making by the leadership is necessary. The quality of the decision-making has a direct relationship to the quality, timeliness and usability of information the leaders have available to them. Therefore, information is recognized as a valuable Tribal asset and resource. As such, it should be managed and safeguarded for the current and future generations of leadership. The Eagle-Tech Systems (ETS) is the primary office charged with this responsibility.

Information Technology as a Profession

The management of information technology in the Tribal organization is like legal advice, accounting, forestry, and other bodies of knowledge, in that it is not inherently a do-it-yourself prospect. Business people who aren't computer experts rely on professionals to help them plan, manage, and maintain the complex interlocking systems of hardware, software, vendor services, and technical support. They need to use these people as they use their other professional service suppliers, as trusted allies.

To get the best use of these people, it helps to have an understanding of what services are currently being provided by the ETS office.

IS Professional Services

The ETS office provides the Tribes with cost cutting in-house professional services. These services have been grouped into the following eight service areas to better explain the service and to identify costs: 
 
The following is a very brief outline of each service area:

1. Planning & Research
It is essential to stay current in the field of technology, determine how changes may impact the Tribes, and use technology effectively to accomplish Tribal goals and objectives. The Planning and Research function provides this service to the Tribes, by developing and implementing IS policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures for Tribal departments. This is done not only to assure a cost-conscience, appropriate use of computers, but also to carry out Council and Management directives and to help the many Tribal computer systems "fit together".

2. Data Administration
Employees come and go; departments and operations change. With a sound Data Administration service, the information they have collected can be preserved for future leaders as a Tribal asset. Without Data Administration, much of the knowledge recorded in Tribal documents and in Tribal computer systems would be inaccessible or lost over time. The Data Administration function helps departments to identify, locate, and access valuable Tribal information. Also to develop, maintain, and manage the databases and electronic document files where Tribal information is stored.

3. Network Administration
A key to improving service and staff productivity is to improve communications among and between service areas. Electronically linking over 300 computers and providing the capability to rapidly exchange and share information is important to efficient and cost effective operations. Only by networking of computers is it possible to effectively share the Tribes investment in technology and information throughout the organization.

4. Central Computer Operations
The Hewlett Packard 3000/957 central computer and operations provide mainframe capabilities, such as high speed data processing and large scale storage capability. These capabilities are especially important for processing the financial records of the Tribes. Finance functions such as Budgets, General Ledger, Payroll, Purchasing, Accounts Payable & Receivable, and Property rely on this service. Other Tribal offices also use this service to help run their operations. For example, the Vital Statistics Office manages the Tribal Member Enrollment system including Per Capita payments, Bonus Checks, and Pension payments. The Credit Office uses this service to administer their loans program; and Vehicle Pool, to manage Tribal vehicles.

5. Application Support
Applications are the software programs and databases which run on Tribal computers to process Tribal information. Employees are asked to use their computer applications to achieve the goals and objectives of their departments. This should not require them to become computer experts. Integrating the computer application with the computer, dealing with the vendor's technical staff, customizing the application to better meet the needs of the Tribal organization, and troubleshooting software are some of the services provided by Application Support. And whether it is Tribal Enrollment or a finance application such as Payroll, support for existing applications is essential.

6. Consulting & Development
To effectively participate in today's economy, keeping up with technology is not an option, it is a requirement. In the fast paced field of technology, what manager has the time? Staff who specialize in the application of technology for the work place help Tribal departments evaluate, select, and implement appropriate technical solutions to business problems. In some cases, software programs are not available to meet the needs of Tribal departments. The IS Consulting & Development service area helps design and develop customized applications that meet Tribal needs at a fraction of the cost of outside consultants and developers.

7. Data Communications
Data communication technology is used to electronically link computers, networks, and organizations. This service area is focused on the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of the Tribes data communication system and wide area network (WAN). This includes coordinating with US West and supporting external links with our internet provider and network support group.

8. PC Support
With over 480 PCs in the organization representing a significant investment in hardware, software and training, it is important to properly maintain these Tribal assets. At one time, PCs were considered optional. Today, in many departments they are essential to service delivery and directly effect the quality of that service. Staff productivity is also directly linked to the PCs they use to do their jobs. Helping departments select appropriate equipment, followed by installation, maintenance, and repair are the services provided by PC Support.


Percent of OIS Budget Allocation by Service area

19%  Application Support:
17%  Network Administration
16%  Consulting & Development
14%  Central Computer Oper.
14%  PC Support
 7%  Planning & Research
 7%  Data Communications
 6%  Data Administration

Just as IS services are grouped by service area, so too are ETS staff members. In order to do the best work possible, each ETS employee specializes in ETS specific areas. The following positions can be found in ETS and shows their related service areas.

Director of Information Systems This individual orchestrates the efforts of the entire ETS staff to maintain existing information systems as well as plan for future needs. The Director is also charged with setting technical standards, systems integration, internet/intranet application development, and monitoring computer technology usage for compliance. The Director is involved in all service areas.

Data Administrator The focus for this position is the accuracy, protection, and proper use of Tribal information residing in electronic document and database formats. This includes the development of data dictionaries, indexing structures, naming and format standards, and database structures. Primary service areas are (1) Planning and Research, (2) Data Administration, (5) Application Support, and (6) Consulting & Development.

Systems Analyst The systems analyst identifies business needs in various Tribal offices and proposes solutions to processing problems. If functions are to be automated, the analyst works with technical people to either purchase or develop and maintain a system. Participates in internet/intranet application development and assist clients with project definition and management. Primary service areas are (5) Application Support and (6) Consulting & Development.

Programmer Analyst Duties include a variety of services such as the installation and testing of specialized hardware and software. This position also writes or modifies computer programs, assists in internet/intranet application development, and provides the technical support for mission critical applications such as Payroll. Primary service areas are (4) Central Computer Operations, (5) Application Support, and (6) Consulting & Development.

Network Administrator This position configures and maintains the local and wide area networks. This includes initial server setup, network addressing, resource allocation, data communications, and user access / security. Primary service areas are (3) Network Administration, (7) Data Communications, and (8) PC Support.

PC Support Technician Duties involve the configuration, setup and repair of microcomputers and software running on them. Works with clients in the utilization of microcomputers in the work place and assists the network administrators. Primary service areas are (3) Network Administration and (8) PC Support.

HP Computer Operator This individual is responsible for the daily operation of the Central Computer, including backup copies of applications, printout distribution, monitoring usage, and assisting users. Other duties involve office support for OIS and some PC support. Primary service areas are (4) Central Computer Operations and (8) PC Support.