The Office of Banks and Real Estate currently has local area networks in Springfield and Chicago that are connected to create one wide area network. Network servers include an IBM RS-6000, Compaq Proliant 2500s and 3000s using both Novell and Microsoft's NT server. All of the agency desktop users PCs are at a Pentium processor level using Windows 95 as the operating system. The field examiners are also utilizing Pentium laptops with Windows 95 and HP DeskJet portable printers. Standard licensed office software includes WordPerfect, Lotus 123, Intel Landesk Virus protection software, and Microsoft's Office Professional 97 suite of products.
Users have access to CD-ROM towers, fax servers, and network printers.
Employees can generate e-mail to other state agencies and the Internet. Desktop access to State of Illinois Central Management Services Data Center's mainframe computers is available. There is also desktop access to the Internet. The Internet connection is safe guarded by a firewall. Remote connections are also available.