MIS STAFF — (l-r) Jason Vanderwall, Christopher Allen, Tracy Finegan, Joanne Wright, Angelo Santabarbara and Joe Cocci.

Managing the mother board

By DEBORAH A. MILES
The Membership Information Systems Department (MIS) is tucked away on the second floor at PEF headquarters in an area filled with sophisticated computer equipment. It is there, through the magic of technology, that PEF is able to connect to its 56,000 members and staff.

Angelo Santabarbara, the MIS director, refers to the department as “the backbone of PEF” as it provides the crucial link to day-to-day operations such as the support and delivery of Internet services, data services, PC services, networking and telecommunications.

PEF’s own network of nearly 20 computer servers is impressive, if not complicated. But to the MIS staff, maintaining the high tech operations is a job they enjoy doing.

“We network with each other and are continually evolving, just like the computers,” Santabarbara said. “We work as a team and we brain share. It’s important to understand the organization, how PEF works. It is a unique operation and the people in this department have a special level of expertise that you couldn’t get from a computer consultant.”

The department includes: two programmer analysts, Christopher Allen and Joe Cocci; a systems analyst, Tracy Finegan; a membership information technician, Jason Vanderwall; and an information systems coordinator, Joanne Wright.

Cocci works in the Membership Benefits Department where he supports the daily operations of payroll data for all PEF members and processes deductions such as union dues.

Rebooting PEF
The rest of the team keeps the computers in good shape for PEF staff. Last year, for example, they completed and documented 4,279 work orders. They are on constant lookout for computer viruses and hackers.

“This system is constantly updated and is able to prevent even the newest of viruses from entering PEF’s network,” Santabarbara said. “The spam filter currently blocks more than 18,000 e-mails per day. It’s our number one task to protect members’ information and secure their privacy. Everything we do is done with this in mind.”

MIS is also on track to deliver a new state-of-the-art membership database system that will replace the legacy system. The new system will enhance on-the-fly querying and reporting, and provide instant, secure access to current and historical data.

Enhancing the network
The MIS department updates PEF’s Web site. Currently, the site has more than 8,500 pages. It is where members and the press get current information, plus a tremendous historical archive. Santabarbara said plans are in the works to put a fresh face on the Web site next year with enhanced interactivity to make it easier to navigate for specific information.

Another MIS function is to ensure the delivery of AIM (Active Informed Member) e-mails.

“This capability helps PEF mobilize members around contract issues or other campaigns. The PEF Online newsletter provides valuable weekly information to members,” he said.

The department operates the telecommunications network from Buffalo to Long Island and runs a complex database.

“This is a work in progress with constant program upgrades,” Santabarbara said. “On the horizon, we will continue to enhance PEF’s network, security, membership systems, web interactivity, and overall information technology infrastructure to maximize value for PEF members.”

The Communicator March 2007

Features
STATE BUDGET:
- Spitzer's workforce plan
- Lawmakers reform budget process
- Go Public
- DOT
- OCFS
- DOCS
- SED
- DEC
- DOH
- DOL
- OMIG
- OMH
- OMRDD
Threats put parole office on edge

Departments
President's Message
You Said It: Letters to the editor
Point-Counterpoint
Retirees In Action
Getting To Know PEF
Health Notes
Membership Benefits &Travel

Union Matters
Convention Delegates 07 Info
Marchers rally for Suny Upstate
Nurses: Lobby Day is May 22
Stopping attacks at Bronx PC
March is Woman's history month
O'Connel loses Senate bid
Accident takes council leader
Vacancy; Admin. Exec.

Oops! The February issue mistakenly identified member Sue Jeffords as retired; incorrectly referred to PEF Division 239 as Division 283; and omitted that retired thoroughbred C.L. Rib ran 93 races and hit the tote board 51 times.

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