HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - PINNACLE NETWORK (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by: Steve Stark
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: January 12, 1999
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A NEW
LOCAL AREA NETWORK AND WIDE AREA NETWORK FROM
PINNACLE COMMUNICATION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
City Council to award a contract to Pinnacle Communications Services for the
purchase and installation of Fast Ethernet and Wide Area Network infrastructure in
an amount not to exceed $130,000. The funds have been budgeted in FY 98-99 in
account number 2312-8610.
Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute and sign all documents, subject
to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
Technology Services is in the process of building a reliable networking infrastructure
that maximizes the use of all City technology. As technology is ever-changing, it is
extremely important to upgrade our equipment so that we are able to fulfill the
City's needs now and in the future.
The proposed changes to the City's system include creating a Wide Area Network
and changing from a Token Ring to Fast Ethernet environment.
Creating a Wide Area Network will enable the City to connect all computers,
including the park sites, which currently have to dial in to the City's system. The
current system only allows staff at park sites to utilize the City's network for e-mail.
Improved computer capabilities at park sites would enable staff to provide more
services to the public, including off-site recreation registration. Connecting all City
computers allows staff to communicate and share data more efficiently; the system
will operate faster. This connection will also increase the City's ability to maintain
computers located off-site.
Agenda �.Rwmmc_*
LOCAL AREA NETWORK AND
WIDE AREA NETWORK
January 12, 1999 - Page 2
Switching from Token Ring to Fast Ethernet will prepare the City for the increasing
technology being used both today and in the future. Our current system, if not
changed, would not handle the increasing use of video, graphics, and voice data.
Fast Ethernet enables the City to handle such technology; it establishes a system
capable of implementing on-line Internet registration for all types of City services
and permits. In essence, this upgrade prepares the City for current as well as
emerging technology.
The City's technical staff and the Information Technology Advisory Committee has
reviewed the options available for upgrading our system and feel that this upgrade
is essential to the functionality of the system.
In selecting a vendor to implement the change, the RFP (Request for Proposal)
process was utilized. The RFP was sent to approximately 20 companies, including
local vendors. The project was also advertised in the Signal Newspaper. Due to the
scope of this project, no local vendors submitted bids. A panel of staff from different
divisions was assembled to review and rate the proposed solutions. Pinnacle
Communication Services received the highest rating through this review process and
is the recommended company to perform the implementation.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Other action as determined by Council.
2. Maintain the current system.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this expenditure, in the amount of $130,000, have been budgeted in
FY 98-99 in account number 2312-8610.
SS:FT:hds
snow=cfl\ianWa