Convinced that smart technology is the foundation for sustainable economic development, the Department of Information Technology is engaged in a number of economic initiatives, both locally and abroad.    From the computers in your home office to those at corporate headquarters, information fuels today's economy.  The advent of wireless technology and high-speed fiber optic data and video connections has dramatically impacted our economy.  Learn about projects fusing economics and IT below.

The Westchester Telecom project has reaffirmed Westchester's position as a premier business location.  Businesses enjoy the reliability and quality of an end- to-end fiber-based network built specifically for Westchester County from the first mile to the last mile.  Visit the Westchester County Office of Economic Development website to learn more about the business benefits of joining our network.   

One outstanding benefit for participants is Cablevision's highly competitive telephone rates, which translate into big savings for the County and all those tapped into the network.  Westchester County previously paid an average of $16 per month for each telephone line but now pays closer to $10 for each line.  Additionally, the network now serves 21 of the County's 36 municipalities, saving them 25 percent on their telecom bills.  

In 1999, then vice president Al Gore cited Westchester as the nation's first "Access America Community" for its pioneering work in developing an electronic network to connect town halls, schools, libraries, hospitals, and police and fire departments.  Westchester has come a long way since 1999, and will continue to expand its network service.       

In the News
Westchester Telecom Case Study | June 2004
(Lightpath Web site)

Moving at the Speed of Light (*pdf, 1,003 KB) | March/April 2001
By DEREK ALGER (Westchester Commerce Magazine)

Finishing Touches Put on Westchester Telecom (*pdf, 6.8 MB)  February 2001
By NORMAN JACKNIS (Techonomy )

DoIT is engaged in a number of international trading initiatives.  Largely due to the Internet and ease of global communications, Westchester County and local companies aspire to expand internationally and establish relationships in places such as Europe and Asia.

Norman Jacknis, Westchester CIO, was a member of four trade delegations to China, including this most recent mission in 2006.

In 2006, China is an obvious place to go for those interested in the economic development of their own local economies and searching for new business opportunities for local companies. 

Fortunately, Westchester County has had a head start in promoting a presence there and has taken other steps to solidify relationships with key decision makers in the country.   As the connections between the American and Chinese economies have accelerated, we decided we needed to visit again to step up that presence, by introducing specific Westchester-based companies to potential Chinese partners as well as continue planting the seeds for the future by establishing further educational exchanges.

DoIT continues to facilitate global expansion and partnership by marketing local firms abroad and facilitating mutually beneficial exchange through technology.  To date, local IT firms have participated in video conferences with technology companies in China, Germany, Chile, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland to structure business deals.  Russian and Irish delegations have also journeyed to Westchester County to consult with DoIT staff in person.  It is largely due to the County's fiber-optic network that Westchester companies can now easily connect to offices all over the world.   

Past China Missions:
2005
2002
1998

Westchester Electronic Magazine (English)

In the News
Do Business with China? (*pdf) | September 30, 2002
By LYNNE BEDELL (Techonomy)

Westchester learns China lessons (*pdf) | September 23, 2002
By ALEX PHILIPPIDIS (Westchester County Business Journal)

Will Westchester companies get their share? (*pdf) | November 25, 2002 By NORMAN JACKNIS (Westchester County Business Journal)

October 16 Technology Conference at Hilton Rye Town


Back to top
Home

safety  | efficiency  | accessibility