L. Technology

Information Technology provides the organization with an efficient, flexible, secure, and accessible information infrastructure. Much of this has been accomplished, and will continue to be accomplished, by simplifying and centralizing information hardware, software, and processes.

1. Advanced Computing Environment/Upgrading the Infrastructure

In 2005 the Postal Service continued to enhance its Advanced Computing Environment (ACE), a comprehensive effort that standardizes hardware and software products for all users. Enhancements were made to support the following ACE features:

• Efficient and responsive remote help desk support.
• Rapid deployment of software enhancements, including security virus protection and intrusion detection software.
• Rapid delivery of new products and services.
• Reduced development, maintenance, and support costs.
• Efficient operational oversight through central hosting of applications.

The Postal Service also deployed DVD recorders and players in 2005 to offices with a business need for this equipment. DVD technology enables viewing content on every ACE desktop and reduces costs and storage space needed for VCR tapes. Meeting Place, a new tool built on the ACE platform, provides a Web conferencing service that reduces the need for travel. Rollout of this service began in 2005 and will be completed in 2006.

The Postal Service also deployed DVD recorders and players in 2005 to offices with a business need for this equipment. DVD technology enables viewing content on every ACE desktop and reduces costs and storage space needed for VCR tapes. Meeting Place, a new tool built on the ACE platform, provides a Web conferencing service that reduces the need for travel. Rollout of this service began in 2005 and will be completed in 2006.

2. Information Technology Security

The Postal Service maintained and enhanced the security of its computing environment in 2005 through several corporate information security initiatives. Over 143 thousand desktop personal firewalls and Intrusion Prevention Services were deployed to ACE computer users in 2005. The Postal Service also continued to educate the postal community on information security practices via articles, posters, brochures, handbooks, and Computer Security Day.

3. Universal Computing Connectivity

The Universal Computing Connectivity (UCC) initiative provides always-available connectivity to the Postal Service computing environment for managers and employees whose jobs require such access. The program involves development of a system-wide network that combines voice, data, and video in a single design. The UCC contract was awarded in October 2004. Under this contract, all telecommunication features and services available to the Postal Service will be upgraded as developments occur in the telecommunications industry.

The Universal Computing Connectivity (UCC) initiative provides always-available connectivity to the Postal Service computing environment for managers and employees whose jobs require such access. The program involves development of a system-wide network that combines voice, data, and video in a single design. The UCC contract was awarded in October 2004. Under this contract, all telecommunication features and services available to the Postal Service will be upgraded as developments occur in the telecommunications industry.

The BlackBerry wireless communications system provides remote communications capability to more than 5,561 postal managers and Continuity of Operations team members, even when Postal Service facilities are without power or shut down. In 2005 deployment and standardization of new BlackBerry devices and upgraded software included several enhancements, notably wireless synchronization.

4. Enterprise Data Warehouse

Initiated as a repository for key retail information and transactions, the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) is now the central source of information on retail, financial, and operational performance, servicing thousands of users each day.

In 2005 use of the EDW again more than doubled, with some 6 thousand active users now creating more than 100 thousand reports each week. These reports reflect the over 1,500 data files loaded into the EDW daily from more than 120 source systems. Improvements in operational efficiency and expansion of the EDW infrastructure will continue to meet the future demands of the EDW-user community as new data sources and additional users are added.