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Connectivity/Internet/ |
- Is there any additional funding available for telecommunications with the new system? (03/09)
- How important will working with county IT staff or an Internet Service Provider (ISP) be? (10/08)
- Is wireless an option? (10/08)
- How can privacy and security be assured, especially if we use wireless options? (10/08)
- Could the HUBERT application be placed on our current county computers? (10/08)
- Is there a backup system if our Internet connection goes down? (09/08)
- If our Internet connection goes down, are we able to do a "paper cert" and enter the information later? (09/08)
- Can we use WIC funds for Internet fees? (09/08)
- Will we be able to access HuBERT from any computer? (08/08)
Is there any additional funding available for telecommunications with the new system? (03/08)
There will be no additional funds available to support on-going telecommunications costs. These costs will need to be covered through the current grant that each Local Agency receives.
However, you can apply for a supplemental grant for one-time costs (such as wiring) or start-up fees. To begin the process, please consult with the Operations Unit staff about the request. If you decide to proceed with the request, please work with your Program Consultant to complete MOM Exhibit 2C, "Request of Increase in Supplemental Funding".
How important will working with county IT staff or an Internet Service Provider (ISP) be? (10/08)
You may receive your Internet connectivity directly through a public Internet Service Provider (ISP) or you may coordinate through your county IT services. We recommend that WIC Coordinators work with your Administrator, county IT, and State WIC staff to determine how your Internet connectivity will be provided. It is important that county IT be involved in planning for the new system. They may direct you to work with an Internet Service Provider.
If you receive your Internet connectivity through an ISP, the State will provide configured computers and a router (similar to a hub). The ISP will provide on-going support of Internet connectivity. It will be the Local Agency's responsibility to support any additional county software and configuration changes needed.
If you receive your Internet connectivity through your county IT services, a close working relationship will need to be established with your county IT staff. The State will provide configured computers and a router (similar to a hub). County IT will be responsible for re-configuring the computers to work within the agency's network, installing and supporting any additional county software, and providing on-going support of Internet connectivity.
There may be other controlling entities through which to reach an agreement for Internet access. Some examples would be the Internet connection present at a clinic site held in a county court house, hospital, library, etc.
Is wireless an option? (10/08)
Currently, our plan is to implement using wire machines exclusively. Wireless connections may be an option in the future as wireless capabilities improve in the areas of reliability, security, and access.
How can privacy and security be assured, especially if we use wireless options? (10/08)
Minnesota WIC complies with Federal and State rules and policies applying to data practices and security. Privacy and security are assured, in part, by using a secure portal, authenticating users, requiring password-protected access, and encrypting data. Even though HuBERT is a web-based application, it is not browser-based. This means, unlike WIC START, the HuBERT application must be installed on the computer you are using. System security is comprised of three layers of access control: logging into the workstation, logging into HuBERT and the user's corresponding permission levels.
Could the HuBERT application be placed on our current county computers? (10/08)
The State will continue to provide the computers and other equipment necessary to provide WIC services. For agencies that would prefer to purchase their own computers, we may consider this option after rollout when the system is stable. County IT staff may install county applications used by WIC staff on the WIC computers.
Is there a backup system if our Internet connection goes down? (09/08)
Local Agencies will be responsible for the Internet connectivity at each of their locations. Each Agency will need to work with their IT Department or Internet Service Provider to ensure connectivity.
There is no local backup system for Internet connected client workstations. All data (unless running in the off-line server mode) is stored on the centralized server. Data is saved as it is modified. The risk of data loss will be minimized because of this, however, the operation of the clinic and the ability to create and certify participants is dependent on the connection to the central server via the Internet connection.
If our Internet connection goes down, are we able to do a "paper cert" and enter the information later? (09/08)
We anticipate that you will be able to do a "paper cert" and enter the information later in the event of connectivity issues. HuBERT does not allow for manual vouchers, so you will need to issue vouchers after the information is entered into the system.
Agencies may choose to mail vouchers or reschedule the appointment if the system is down.
Can we use WIC funds for Internet fees? (09/08)
Internet fees are an allowable WIC expense; however, the fees need to be prorated among all programs using the Internet service.
Will we be able to access HuBERT from any computer? (08/08)
No. Unlike WIC START, which is a browser-based application, HuBERT is a smart-client web-based application. This means that although it also uses a browser, the HuBERT application must be applied to any computer that is going to be accessing it. This was necessary in order to allow for the off-line alternative option, which allows Temporary Servers to be checked out for those agencies without access to the Internet.
