| For centuries cities have been the early adopters of new technology, and it is by investing in these new technologies that cities became the great creative engines of commerce, culture and society. For the 21st century it will surely be the Internet and the electronic connectivity that the Internet delivers. In less than a decade this new set of technologies is changing our daily lives from how we communicate, to how and where we work, to how business is done, to how we deliver city services, to how we are educated, and to how we play. Just as in past centuries, the cities that will prosper in this new age will be those cities that embrace and invest in this new technology.
This session you will learn how Philadelphia proposes to capitalize on this potential by leading an effort to create a wireless network that will provide high-speed, broadband wireless connectivity to all points within the city. The truth be known, Philadelphia’s goal is to become the number one wireless city in the world and intends to set the standard by which wireless accessibility is measured.
Dianah L. Neff has 18 years experience in providing leadership and implementation of organization-wide strategic information technology planning, assuring reliability of information technology infrastructure, and directing information technology departments in their delivery of technology support services in both city and county organizations. She was appointed as Chief Information Officer for the City of Philadelphia in May 2001, reporting to Mayor John F. Street and serving on the mayor's cabinet.
As head of the Mayor's Office of Information Services, the city's central IT agency, Ms. Neff is leading the Wireless Philadelphia project to create a citywide, 135 square miles, digital infrastructure to help citizens, business, schools and community organizations make effective use of wireless technology.
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