City IT team completes cyber recovery vault and upgrades Windows 11 across agencies

The City Council of Indianapolis convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss several key updates regarding the Information Technology Board's ongoing projects and initiatives. The meeting highlighted significant advancements in technology infrastructure and user experience improvements across various city departments.

The session began with an announcement regarding the completion of the storage modernization project. The project, initiated in 2021, successfully implemented a cyber recovery vault capable of storing up to five weeks of immutable data backups. This advancement is expected to enhance data security and resilience against potential cyber threats.

Next, the board introduced a new initiative focused on passwordless authentication. This system aims to simplify user access to devices by eliminating the need for traditional passwords, instead utilizing a PIN or similar method. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding compatibility with cloud resources that may still require multi-factor authentication. The board set an October 1 deadline for further developments in this area, aligning with the rollout of Windows 11.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing upgrade to Windows 11, with approximately 42% of the enterprise already transitioned. The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) are among the larger agencies undergoing this upgrade, with training sessions scheduled to ensure a smooth transition.

Additionally, the board reported progress on the Webex calling migration, with 24 out of 46 agencies successfully transitioned. The rollout has been notably efficient, with a significant number of phones activated in a single weekend. However, users have reported some challenges with simultaneous ringing across devices, prompting discussions on managing settings for a better user experience.

The PeopleSoft Cloud Migration project was also a focal point, with the board evaluating vendors to assist in moving the application to the cloud. This migration aims to enhance operational continuity during cyber incidents, ensuring that essential functions, such as vendor payments, remain unaffected. The timeline for this project has been adjusted, with completion expected towards the end of the year, following open enrollment.

Lastly, updates were provided on the City County Building Restack Phase 3, which involves upgrading wireless capabilities across all floors. The board is collaborating with the Building Authority to ensure that these enhancements align with ongoing HVAC system upgrades.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the City Council's commitment to advancing technology infrastructure and improving user experiences across city departments. The board will continue to monitor these projects and provide updates as they progress.