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TO: Mayor Robert J. O'Connor
FROM: Kenneth Nelson, Police Information Systems Coordinator
DATE: March 15, 2017
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing the purchase of replacement Cisco network equipment and consulting services from Sentinel Technologies, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $712,500.00 for the Police Department and Fire Station #8 server room.
PURPOSE:
Cisco Systems partnered with the City to provide network hardware and services for the City of Aurora in 2007 and subsequently assigned Sentinel Technologies as the preferred channel partner servicing the City. As such, Sentinel provides design and planning Network Engineers at no cost and offers discounts not available elsewhere.
BACKGROUND:
In 2007, the City of Aurora standardized on Cisco network switch and routing equipment to build a city-wide fiber network. In subsequent years, the City grew the network in phases and implemented other Cisco solutions (i.e. VOIP). This request is designed to replace equipment from previous Cisco purchases; equipment being replaced will be removed from Cisco support in 2017. Purchasing new equipment represents the second phase of a 5 year CIP ending in 2020. City Council approved the first phase of replacements in early 2016 pursuant to resolution number R16-054.
DISCUSSION:
The IT department has identified all Cisco equipment that will be removed from support over the course of this CIP, and will purchase replacement gear prior to losing support. This will ensure the useful life of equipment is maximized, and at the same time ensure the network is kept up-to-date and supported.
In the past, through Sentinel, the City of Aurora has received a 46% discount on Cisco hardware and a 13% discount on the initial year of SMARTnet maintenance. Sentinel has teamed with Cisco to increase these discounts. As the City of Aurora's assigned Cisco channel partner, these discounts are only offered through Sentinel and no other channel partner is able to match the...
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