A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government

Emerging Technologies

A Conversation with BIS Network Services Director Ellen Lee

Wireless networks and Instant Messaging (IM) technologies are both needed by State workers, and both present challenges to Maine State Government technology managers. As with nearly any new technology, the key challenges to implementing IM and wireless networks revolve around the provision of secure, reliable and cost effective service.

Wireless Networks[1]: In December 2003 the Bureau of Information Services (BIS) presented an outline of its enterprise wireless service strategy to the Information Services Policy Board (ISPB). An enterprise approach to support communications between laptop/desktop computers, handheld mobile devices such as PDAs (provided users can be authenticated), and cordless telephones (possibly in the future) would:

· enable State workers with wireless authorization to gain network access from any wireless access point in any State facility and roam between such points,

· ensure interoperability and position the State to integrate future technologies as desired, and

· adhere to industry standards.

Not surprisingly, Ellen and her team wish to ensure the deployment of wireless networks 1) protects existing state systems and assets, 2) is consistent with the State's IT Security Policy, 3) encrypts data during transmission, and 4) enables the detection and disabling of rogue access points. To date BIS has tested multiple vendor access points and authentication methods against requirements, and will finalize the strategy in cooperation with the Information Systems Managers group and the ISPB. Outstanding issues (see http://www.maine.gov/bis/wireless.htm) remain to be resolved, but Ellen feels confident that wireless services will be available this summer for agencies wishing to deploy this technology.

Instant Messaging[2]: Currently state employee IM users utilize free, Internet based services (e.g. AOL’s Buddy List). While the price initially appears to be right, Internet use has hidden costs e.g. bandwidth usage, and exposure to viruses and spam.

An IM needs assessment survey was recently conducted. Results indicated a business need for IM functionality, and an interest in BIS developing an enterprise strategy to use IM. BIS is putting together an Enterprise IM Service that will allow Instant Messaging within the state’s network. Since it is anticipated that a need for IM type communication with external partners exists, BIS is looking to deploy an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) in Q4 to filter Internet-based IM traffic in order to enhance security by detecting and preventing virus, worms etc. from entering the network. As with wireless networks, deployment issues remain, including limiting Internet-based IM to only those who have a legitimate business need.

Ellen anticipates the above issues – and all the others - will all be addressed later this year. Feel free to contact her with questions by e-mailing ellen.lee@maine.gov.

[1] Wireless Network A network that transmits information over public airwaves (the same used by television, radio, and cell phones). The signal transmissions actually occur through air rather than through copper or fiber-optic cables. It's hard to conceive at times, but much of our information is traveling via satellites. These networks are supposed to be protected by a built-in security feature (WEP), but it is a known fact that wireless networks can be easily accessed and monitored by outsiders. (They are crackable.)

[2] Instant Messaging, commonly known as: IM (pronounced: I-M) A technology that gives users the ability to identify people online and to exchange messages with them in real time. Referred to by many as the "coolest way to communicate online since e-mail," it typically works like this: The instant messaging system alerts you whenever somebody on your "buddy list" is online and trying to contact you via your computer; you can then initiate a chat session with that person and type text messages back and forth.

Instant messaging is considered more spontaneous than e-mail or chat rooms, and you can even surf the Web together while having a real-time text conversation at the same time. There are several competing instant messaging services, and unfortunately, there's no standard; the people you want to "instant message" with must use the same IM system that you use. Another downside is that instant messaging is not yet designed for secure use.