Information Technology Section(IT)

Section Director: David L. Davies

Training Objectives

The Division of Local Services’ Information Technology Section is responsible for providing technical consulting services to the Division’s Bureaus and to local governments.

Information Technology Section’s primary goal is to enhance the flow of information between the Division of Local Services and the cities and towns of the Commonwealth.

Primary Goal

Internal Services

IT develops and maintains the Division’s Internet site (www.mass.gov/dls). Total file activity averages 1,050,000 hits per month

IT has converted various data applications (e.g., tax rate, Schedule A, local aid and free cash) to Web-based Oracle systems. It will soon introduce a new Gateway system for Cities and Towns to key in data in order to set a tax rate and file other state required forms over the internet.

CAMA Program

Multiple departments in 75 municipalities depend on the Division for support and training in the use of various versions of the DOR Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) and Tax Administration system

The estimated cost savings to communities using the DOR CAMA system will exceed $1 million in this fiscal year.

Community Software Consortium (CSC)

Over 75 communities are part of the DOR-sponsored CSC. These communities have funded and directed a major upgrade of DOR CAMA and Tax Administration System that for the last 20 years has encouraged in-house revaluation and tax administration functions

Community Software Consortium (CSC)

The CSC, in conjunction with DLS, will aim at providing IT services for communities too small to afford IT staffing.

Review

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True or False? CAMA is used by assessors andschool superintendents.

false

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The CSC will aim at providing IT services to ?communities that cannot afford IT staffing.

small

IT also...

Provides technical assistance to DLS staff and city or town officials across the state

Acts as a liaison to ISO with regard to user account information, security issues,and Oracle Applications

The Division’s Top Technology Priority

in 2008... Authenticated Internet Applications

DLS has built an e-mail database of local officials and will use this information in an Internet accessible authentication/management system.

DLS will implement a workableauthentication/authorization system for dataexchanges between state and local governments, rolling out applications for on-line Tax Rate, Schedule A, assessment sales data, and other accounting form submissions.

Authentication = Who are you? Authorization = What should we let you do?

Review

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An authentication/authorization system is used for data exchanges between state

and ? governments.

local

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True or False? Authentication is a means ofverifying the identity of local officials who submitinformation electronically to the state.

trueMENU