Ironically, building a solid IT infrastructure doesn’t start with hardware or software or networks. It starts with people—the team and culture behind the infrastructure—and a primary strategic focus for IT in 2022 was to continue to build a rewarding environment to recruit and retain the right talent. The 5 new staff we onboarded this year join a team committed to continued professional development in all IT disciplines, from cloud engineering to software development to DevOps to cybersecurity. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say FVREB IT expertise meets or exceeds industry standards.
2022 also marked a historic milestone with the completion of FVREB’s data migration to the public cloud, including re-architecting our business continuity and disaster recovery solution for the cloud. Among numerous other infrastructure improvements, we deployed a Virtual Desktop solution for the MLS® department and adopted a Mobile Device Management solution for greater control of all endpoints, including laptops and desktops.
One of the greatest concerns facing organizations across all sectors is cybersecurity. In 2022 the average cost of a security breach in Canada was $5.64 million (US) due to lost time, lost productivity and data recovery. We substantially strengthened FVREB’s defenses against cyberthreats in 2022 including requiring Multi-factor Authentication for all staff (and soon to be introduced to membership), standardizing user credentials, and strengthening password safeguards across the organization, amongst numerous other measures.
Software development is at the core of FVREB’s digital transformation strategy and as such, improving DevOps processes (the intersection of software development and IT operations) remained a top priority in 2022. DevOps helps to shorten development lead time and provides continuous integration and delivery of high-quality software, largely through automation, allowing us to roll out new software releases—seven in 2022 for FVREB Connect—with minimal downtime and disruption to members.
Last fall, under tight deadlines and with no margin for error, we fast-tracked and successfully launched FVREB Connect, the successor to REALTORLink® and new home to member digital services. With Phase I now complete, work is well underway to augment the site’s utility with additional innovative modules and applications aimed at supporting members’ professional needs.
Our sector is undergoing tremendous change, placing great demands on REALTORS® and their associations to stay relevant. FVREB’s IT strategy is designed to keep us one step ahead and remain vital through continuous improvement and innovation.
Members:
9200
FVREB Staff:
1200
Other:
1
Total tickets serviced:
10800
Software development tickets:
2022
300
2021
100
Chief Information Officer
ovidiu mot