From the I Department
By Jeff Mahl, DC-I

The Department of Information and Communications Services launches 2005 with a broad plan to improve services and ease the burden on our members.  Some of our major projects currently underway include: 

AUXplus -- A sophisticated new database to manage a wide range of activities.  Our Data Management Division is building this high level system in Phases from the ground up!  Phase I will support the Auxiliary Fundraising efforts, and in particular the Associate Member Program, which went "live" 1 JAN 2005.  Phase II will help support our Public Education Program.  Additional long range applications are also anticipated. 

Server Upgrades -- A comprehensive program of improvements to the Auxiliary web servers was initiated in late 2004 and will be completed in 2005.  These upgrades will support new service capabilities, improved storage, better processing speed, enhanced security and easier maintenance. 

Redesigned cgaux.org -- Our Web Services Division is building the all *new* National website which will incorporate advances in web design to make navigation much easier, sporting new and engaging graphics.  The new site will offer a whole new experience for both our Members and the Public, which visit the National site pages millions of times a year. 

AUX-04 and AUX-10 "C" Schools -- The completely revised AUX-04 Technology "C" School was a big hit in 2004 and the AUX-10 AUXDATA "C" School will be upgraded for 2005!  Members interested in either of these exceptional "C" School advanced training experiences should visit the Student Support Sites: www.uscgaux.org/~aux04/ for AUX-04 and www.uscgaux.org/~aux10/ for AUX-10 which will provide complete information on these two new and exciting "C" School opportunities. 

Improvements in Member Reporting -- Our Information Services Division, with the Forms Development and Control Division are in the early stages of a serious review aimed at reducing the Member AUXDATA reporting burden.  We are looking at innovative techniques to improve efficiency, as well as ease of use, all designed to save time and effort.  Our Communication Services Division is supporting this effort with a new "Universal Password" system utilizing the National eDirectory for improved (yet surprisingly easy) reporting security. 

Advances in Communication  -- Our Research and Development Division is working with new communication technologies including CENTRA, to better match them with the specific needs of the organization.  They will review various applications that may fit a variety of uses, to provide improved and more cost efficient alternatives for Auxiliary communications. 

CS Officers Guide -- A comprehensive new service designed with our CS Officers in mind.  This resource http://www.auxservices.org/csguide/ organizes in an efficient user-friendly way everything our Officers need to know to effectively perform their duties.  It also features a "What Works" tab making it easy to see what others have created, and the solutions they have discovered.   This are just a few of the projects we are working on!  For future details as they emerge, please see Bits & Bytes (the I-CS Department monthly newsletter) at: www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/infoserv/BandB.htm