To: Mark R. Hafner, City Manager
From: Sean Vreeland, Information Technology Director
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution approving the purchase of two Nimble Storage Area Network (SAN) data storage arrays, from Cima Solutions Group of Lewisville, Texas, through the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Purchasing Program, for the Information Technology Department, and authorizing the City Manager to execute all purchase documents relating thereto on behalf of the City of Keller, Texas.
Background:
A storage area network (SAN) is a dedicated network that provides access to centralized storage that multiple applications or servers can share simultaneously. The alternative to a SAN is to have each application or server, contain independent dedicated hard drives.
Storage Area Networks (SANs) have the following benefits:
• Centralized management and scalability. Manage storage for a large group of servers as a single pool, as opposed to managing the storage for each server individually. Also, simplify the process of adding storage capacity; with pooled storage, adding storage capacity can be done “on the fly” with no or minimal downtime.
• Multiple copies of data. We currently have arrays installed at 3 locations, Town Hall, the Police Department, and the Municipal Service Center. This strategy allows for critical data at one physical location to be replicated to a different physical location which is an essential component for disaster recovery preparedness. It also allows for high availability of critical enterprise data and minimizes potential disruption of service.
The arrays that will be replaced are the primary array at Town Hall and secondary array at the Municipal Service Center. The arrays that they will be replacing were purchased in 2013. The majority of electronic information resides on the primary array and is then replicated to the secondary array. Both primary and secondary arrays have reached capacity and need to be replaced.
The cost for both Nimble storage arrays and one year of hardware and software maintenance is $140,094.
Budget Impact:
This agreement is for purchase of two Nimble Storage arrays at a cost of $140,094. Future year’s budgets will continue to include approximately $8,000 for annual hardware and software maintenance and will be funded from the Information Technology Fund.
Financial Considerations:
The City maintains a comprehensive inventory, structured replacement schedule, and a budget request process called the Keller Technology Plan (KTP). All technology requests, whether replacement of existing equipment or the purchase of new equipment, are reviewed and prioritized through the KTP. This year’s KTP recommends the replacement of the primary and secondary storage arrays, within the Information Services Fund equipment replacement budget.
Citizen Input/Board Review:
Not applicable
Legal Review:
Not applicable
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial
Council Action:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed resolution as presented.