What do we do?

The Information Management Division (IMD) was established to centralize and enhance the department's information resources. The division is responsible for collecting, storing, processing, analyzing, and reporting information. The division includes two sections.

The Information & Technology Services Section (ITS) provides a full range of information system and computer technology services to the entire agency. Services provided include: long-range computer, data, and information systems planning and implementation; analyses of user automation/information requirements; data base application design and implementation; system security; programming; computer operations, production control; telecommunications and data communications; microcomputer hardware and software support; and software training.

The Information Center is part of ITS and provides the agency with local area network (LAN) and microcomputer (PC) support through LAN Administrators assigned to each division. They install and maintain the LAN servers that store files and provide access to DCBS standard software. They provide trouble-shooting assistance for microcomputer problems. They also provide agency-wide support by working on special technology projects such as providing remote access. These projects help DCBS staff efficiently and effectively use automation tools. The Information Center also staffs the Help Desk, which answers users' questions and responds to LAN, printer, and microcomputer problems.

The Research & Analysis Section (R&A) performs a wide range of services to gather, summarize, interpret, and analyze information concerning all aspects of department activities. These services include: conducting statistically valid surveys; actuarial studies; workload, revenue, and expenditure forecasting; data analysis; long-range planning; econometric modeling; report writing; and much more. Although the section's primary responsibility is to serve the research and analysis needs of DCBS, a large number of individuals and groups outside the department depend on the quality, timeliness, accuracy, and objectivity of R&A products and services to address important economic and social issues of concern to the citizens of Oregon.