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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Ram Tyagi, CIO
Jeff Anderson, Deputy CIO
DATE: October 13, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution requesting approval of a one-year renewal agreement with Absolute Software, Inc., Seattle, for virtual private network software for an amount not to exceed $102,920.00.
PURPOSE:
This resolution requests the renewal of the virtual private network (VPN) software that has been utilized for the last three years to support the City's large number of remote workers requiring access City network services when outside of City buildings.
BACKGROUND:
Resolution R22-062 approved the award of VPN software to NetMotion Software, Inc., after a competitive bidding process. Since that award, city staff have been successfully utilizing the Netmotion VPN solution whenever outside of City buildings. Subsequent to the award, NetMotion Software, Inc., was purchased by Absolute Software, Inc. and the product was renamed Absolute Secure Access (ASA).
DISCUSSION:
For the past three years, the ASA solution and Absolute Software staff have performed admirably. This product is purpose-built for mobile vehicles - especially public safety vehicles.
ASA has provided reliable connectivity in the field including:
-- Vehicles are often moving between coverage zones (urban, rural, tunnels, etc.).
-- ASA ensures seamless session persistence, maintaining secure connections even as the vehicle switches between networks (e.g., LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi).
-- This reduces downtime and reconnect issues, which is vital in emergencies.
ASA is a good fit for public safety vehicles because it provides:
-- Secure, reliable, and optimized connectivity
-- Resilience against device failure or security lapses
-- Real-time performance in mobile, mission-critical settings
-- Public safety apps (CAD systems, video feeds, dispatch software) require low latency and high reliability.
-- Absolute optimizes network traffic to prioritize critical applications, improving performance in bandwidth-constrained or high-latency environments
Additionally, IT staff have been able to monitor, manage, and secure devices remotely, even when they are outside the City's network.
Funding is available in account 101-1280-419.38-11.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Without a robust VPN solution in place, personnel in City vehicles (including Public Safety vehicles) and field staff on location at remote City facilities and job sites would not be able to access the City network.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure & Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution requesting approval of a one-year renewal agreement with Absolute Software, Inc., Seattle, for virtual private network software for an amount not to exceed $102,920.00.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the increasing number remote workers requiring access City network services when outside of City buildings, there is a need for a robust VPN solution that provides consistent connectivity and in-depth diagnostic reporting; and
WHEREAS, the Absolute Secure Access solution was selected via RFP and awarded via Resolution R22-062; and
WHEREAS, the Absolute Secure Access solution and Absolute Software personnel have performed admirably; and
WHEREAS, Funding for this purchase will be using 101-1280-419.38-11.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to issue purchase orders for services described in this resolution and as more fully set forth in the contract attached hereto.