At the heart of the General Assembly’s information technology operation is its data center and supporting network infrastructure. DLAS has architected a high-speed, stable, and secure network infrastructure, complete with robust file and print services, and responsive desktop computing. DLAS constantly evaluates technology trends, providing solutions that satisfy immediate requirements, while ensuring that critical information is secure and accessible into the future.

We do internet

The future is the internet and DLAS has been doing it for a long time. DLAS first tapped into the power of the internet in 1996 and has been successfully delivering it to the desktop ever since. Wired and wireless, legislative agencies and the public can access the internet from the Capitol Square buildings and meeting venues. Legislative teleworkers utilize the DLAS network architecture to access computing resources through virtual private network (VPN) technology or use web-enabled applications to work from wherever they are, whenever they want.

We do servers

Digital information produced by the legislative agencies needs to be accessible and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The DLAS-maintained cluster of virtual servers are up and operational 98% of the time while delivering fast and secured data to the desktop. Daily backups and real-time hot site redundancy means that in the event of a local disaster, legislative information will never be unavailable for more than 48 hours.

We do desktop

The desktop is where it all happens. Legislative staff are in constant contact with the General Assembly community and need to capture information that documents the legislative process. DLAS enables desktop systems to carry out these tasks while providing customized configurations for specialized needs. Laptops are provided for staff to deploy in telework or disaster scenarios. Limited “cloud computing” is also available to cover interruptions in local service.

We do infrastructure

The physical network infrastructure connects all of the resources needed to communicate with colleagues and services, enforce security, and transmit information. DLAS is committed to providing the highest level of performance possible in a secure and flexible environment. Routers, switches, servers, firewalls, and other assorted appliances are configured with these goals in mind.

We do security

Virus protection, intrusion detection, eliminating spam, and user authentication are all part of DLAS’ comprehensive IT security methodology. Protections against internet attacks, local computer viruses and malware are built in at every level of the architecture.

We deliver

Being responsible for the data center and network infrastructure needs of the General Assembly is serious business. No data loss occurred in 2009 due to power corruption or “crashed” systems. DLAS internet sites have over a million hits a week, and during the legislative session, live video is streamed to upwards of 1000 customers daily. Email is critical in a time-sensitive environment and DLAS-maintained email systems have remained solid and reliable. The legislative process demands a reliable and robust data center and network infrastructure. DLAS meets that challenge while adding value in the problem-solving process.