Press Release

Oakland County OakVideo Communication System Named CIO Magazine Top 100 Award Honoree

Pontiac, MI, June 26, 2006 -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson today announced that CIO magazine, a publication distributed to 140,000 IT leaders worldwide, has selected Oakland County Information Technology's OakVideo digital arraignment system as one of its 100 award winners for 2006.

OakVideo uses video conferencing equipment to connect district and circuit courts, the prosecutor's office, jail booking facilities and law enforcement agencies. OakVideo, which is a multi-point communication system, is unique because of its document transfer; Internet based document and system control features. It's believed that no other similar system in America has these components.

The web-based document transfer system allows users to save and secure case records on a centralized server with instant retrieval for viewing or printing.

OakVideo is comprised of a network backbone consisting of over 400 miles of fiber optic cable with capability to connect more than 180 facilities in Oakland County.

Video arraignment minimizes prisoner transport, improves court security, allows for the reallocation of police personnel to more important duties and saves money.  The annual cost savings from OakVideo is estimated at $4.1 million.

"Oakland County has earned a nationwide reputation among local units of government as a leader in the development and implementation of cutting edge technology for the benefit of its citizens," Patterson said. "This prestigious award is recognition of Oakland County's continuing leadership role in the use of technology."

Oakland County was selected for the CIO 100 Award through a three step process.  First, an online application was filled out detailing the innovative practices in both business and IT. Next, teams of CIO magazine editors and writers reviewed the applications in depth, looking for unique practices and substantial results.  Finally, the teams met for a daylong meeting to debate the merits of each nominee and then vote on the final 100.

Oakland County will receive its award from CIO magazine at the CIO 100 Symposium and Awards Ceremony, August 20-22, 2006 in Coronado, California.

Launched in 1987, CIO magazine addresses issues vital to the success of Chief Information Officers worldwide.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communication Officer at (248) 858-1048.

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