Moving its graphical information systems (GIS) into the cloud has enabled the Wanganui District Council to ensure its technical experts are not tied up keeping systems “fed and watered”.

This has allowed the council’s GIS expert to remain focused on the GIS application itself, as opposed to the servers it runs on, says information services manager Jason Simons.

In this week’s featured video from our In The Front Room series of interviews, Simons shares how the council moved its GIS information to the cloud to provide easier access to its mapping services, while maintaining a high level of security around its most valuable information.

Selecting cloud services do need careful scrutiny, especially for councils who tend to be risk averse, says Simons. Factors to consider include business drives, goals and the governance requirements of the information.

Simons has been actively involved in driving demand for fibre services in the Wanganui area. He also shares his views on how to connectivity and technology can help remove some of the limitations businesses face.

In addition, Simons shares his thoughts on the benefit fast broadband can bring to the education sector.

Simons meanwhile is involved with TechEx Wanganui – an event being held in July to help raise awareness of ultrafast broadband and what it offers.

Watch our full video with Simons below or visit our website to find all other videos in the series.