HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8429 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No, 8429
0%0_R� To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 10, 2002
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Subject:
Update on Key IT Solutions Activities
As a part of keeping you informed of the initiatives and/or alternatives IT
Solutions is investigating, the following areas will be addressed in the next few
months.
Mainframe Alternatives Review
Given the nature of, and unanticipated discoveries and delays related to, the
remediation effort, progress has been delayed on developing an RFP to seek
proposals for outsourcing the mainframe environment. That effort is moving
forward with the RFP being delivered to Purchasing by the end of August.
Purchasing indicates that they will release it within two weeks. All proposals will
be due on October 18th.
This timing should allow for the determination of the viability of outsourcing by
mid-November. If it proves viable, implementation usually takes about 90 days
after a contract is signed. This would mean outsourcing would occur toward the
end of March 2003. If outsourcing the entire environment does not look feasible,
an RFP will be developed and released to seek qualified proposals to support the
software component.
Server Processing Environment Alternatives Review
An RFP will be issued on the same time schedule for outsourcing the Server
Processing Environment. These are the servers, numbering some sixty, that are
located in the computer room and collectively support and are an integral part of
the City's data network. Completing an outsourcing effort in this area would
parallel that of the mainframe.
If retaining the environment is the most viable alternative, an RFP will be issued
to seek qualified support to augment the current staff.
Voice and Data Transport Services Alternatives Review
An RFP is being developed to seek proposals for the outsourcing of the voice
and data network transport capabilities (i.e., the wires, PBX's, hubs, routers,
associated electronics and management capabilities). It is the belief of those
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT woF:rrH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.. A42q
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 10, 2002
Page 2 of 2
Subject:
Update on Key rr Solutions Activities
responsible the City does not have the resources to adequately invest in,
manage and maintain these capabilities into the future.
If qualified vendors can be located, and the pricing is right, these network
capabilities would be purchased as services from a major organization that has
the core capabilities and proven record of providing such services. In essence,
the City does not need to own and maintain these capabilities, but rather simply
needs to contract for these services. Timing is still fluid on this issue, but a draft
RFP should be circulated in September, with the final issued in early October.
Should you have any further questions, please contact Dave Miller at 8781 or
me.
Gary W. Jackson
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
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