HomeMy WebLinkAboutPurchase - Storage Area NetworkCITY OF PALM DESERT
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF STORAGE AREA NETWORK (SAN)
SUBMITTED BY: CLAYTON VON HELF, INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 23, 2009
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, approve the purchase of a Storage Area Network
(SAN) to increase storage space and allow for server consolidation in an
amount of $48,393.00 plus state taxes. Funds are available in Account
No. 110-4190-415-4040.
Discussion:
As the City's computer needs and reliance on computer files have increased, additional
application servers have been added to the City's network. These application servers
are only able to use the hardware on the server that hosts (contains) them. There is one
application server per physical computer. This is the traditional approach to a data
center; however, newer technology allows servers to use a "pool" of computers that can
be dynamically allocated between applications. The "Pool" approach allows more than
one application server to run on a physical computer, therefore increasing the utilization
of our computer hardware, and lowering our operational costs. A significant benefit of
the system is its flexibility that enables staff to work on servers without interrupting the
end user, thereby increasing efficiency and customer service resulting from minimal
network interruptions. The implementation of the SAN system is vital to recognizing
cost savings, and increased efficiency.
At the close of 2008, the server division of Gateway declared bankruptcy. The City
currently has ten Gateway servers that have no warranty coverage for parts or repairs.
By implementing the SAN solution we will eliminate this liability to the City's network,
without incurring the costs of ten new servers. Staff will consolidate all ten of these
unsupported servers onto three Dell servers, saving both acquisition costs and cutting
our energy usage by more than one third. Staff expects the new system to have a
useful life of at least five years.
Staff Report
Approval of SAN purchase
April 23, 2009
Page 2 of 2
In addition to saving energy we are also in need of more storage space. The SAN will
provide us with enough free storage space for several years of data growth. At the
same time, it will enable faster data backups and recovery of data, without interruption
to the end user.
The project cost is $48,393.00 plus state taxes. This includes all hardware, software
licensing, training and maintenance fees. This equipment is under the NASPO / WSCA
government pricing agreements, and meets our bid requirements. Funds for this
program are budgeted in the Information Systems budget, Account No. 110-4190-415-
4040. Staff requests that City Council authorize the purchase of the SAN solution.
Submitted By: Department Head:
Helflnformation S tems Manager 'aul S. Gibson, Finance Director
Approval:
John W, City Manager
CITY COUNCIL&CTION
APPROVED V DENIED
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Original on File with City Clerk's Office