Equipment, software and training are important, as is basic, reliable information for officials to help them make the best computerization decisions for their municipalities. Private vendors of computers may not the best source of this information because much of the software of use to municipalities is fairly specialized, making it difficult to know about and evaluate the alternative programs are available. Furthermore, vendors have a vested interest in which products they sell. Independent comparisons and evaluations of municipal software would be extremely helpful to municipalities when making their purchase decisions. These include zoning boards, zoning officers, police departments, and planning.
Computers offer great potential for municipalities in Pennsylvania.
Many municipalities have already started reaping these benefits. It is important to help all municipalities in the Commonwealth obtain good information about how to use computers to their fullest potential, and to help them take advantage of the computer revolution.