Explanation
BACKGROUND: Currently, the City of Columbus, Department of Technology (DoT) operates two Mainframe Unisys ClearPath systems that directly support mission critical applications. One system is the ClearPath CS system that supports Payroll production and the Police Leads system. The Payroll production is utilized by all City agencies, ensuring that all city employees are paid and accurate records are maintained for the IRS, Federal Government and The State of Ohio, while the Police Leads system is used by the Division of Police, which supports information used by police officers in carrying out their daily activities. The other is a Unisys Mainframe ClearPath LX System which is used for development for the production applications running on the ClearPath CS system and as a failover this system, thereby reducing downtime when the it system fails.
The contract for license and support of these mainframes is due to expire on June 30, 2006. A five-year renewal of the current contract (i.e., for support of the current hardware) would have cost the city $1,248,259.00 in operating funds. Finding this too costly, the Department of Technology sought alternative solutions to cut these costs yet ensure the support of the current applications. After examining multiple options, it was found that by purchasing new hardware, a cost savings of $480,000 over the original estimate could be generated.
In addition, the new systems are "high performance" systems, meaning that they provide twice the power of the current systems, thus increasing the performance of the applications housed on them. They also offer management tools and other special features that will enhance the end-user's efficiency.
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Technology to enter into contract for the purchase of hardware and associated licenses, software support and maintenance with Unisys Corporation. The cost of this purchase is $570,790.00 and will be made w...
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