Phoenix Aviation Disaster Recovery Wins National Award

The City of Phoenix, Arizona's Aviation Department has won the Public Technology Institute's 2007-2008 Solutions Award in the Technology and Information Technology category for Disaster Recovery.

Knowing that continued services at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport would be essential if a disaster occurred in the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Aviation Department began in 2005 to implement a multi-year project aimed at ensuring business continuity. The initial phase of the disaster recovery project was fully operational in October 2007 and includes real-time dual-site storage of all airport data through storage area networks mirroring and server redundancy for network authentication, domain services and Intranet-based network storage department-wide.

"The steps we've taken in this project ensure that systems and data can be recovered in the event of a disaster. Our goal is to be able to continue to serve the community following a catastrophic event," says Nancy Raabe, Acting Deputy Aviation Director for Aviation's Technology Division.

Subsequent phases of the project will continue server clustering and remote location projects to ultimately ensure that each critical airport system is capable of continued operations should a disaster affect the airport data center. As part of the on-going project, all new Aviation Department systems will have the redundant site server clustering and disk mirroring built in to their project budget.

Neighborhood Services Department

Phoenix's Neighborhood Services Department (NSD), also received an award for its Neighborhood Revitalization Mobile Data Access. NSD implemented the use of laptops, docking ports and wireless printers for its housing rehabilitation specialists in the field to access permitting, utility and property information systems as they worked with contractors and homeowners to improve conditions of existing housing stock. This use of mobile technology increased productivity, improved customer service and furthered the department's mission to improve the quality of life in Phoenix neighborhoods.

The Public Technology Institute, located in Washington D.C., recognizes local governments annually that demonstrate the application of technology to improve service delivery, reduce operating costs, and create new revenue opportunities.