Over the past several years, the Department of Information Technology (DoIT), the Employment and Human Services Department, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office as well as other departments have individually purchased Cisco networking equipment for DoIT to install and maintain through various different vendors. The Cisco maintenance contracts (Smart Net) established for these departments all have different start and renewal dates as well as a level of service that differs depending on the purchasing department and the specific vendor selected. This has caused a great deal of confusion for DoIT staff when providing service to these departments and seeking support from Cisco. As Cisco equipment powers the County’s core network services, telephone systems and is a major part of the internet security, the ability for DoIT’s technical staff to interact with the Cisco Trouble Reporting Center is critical for timely resolution. The Smart Net renewal contract that are being sought for approval will bring all existing County-wide Cisco maintenance contracts under one umbrella, will co-term all expiration dates, will include the exact same level of service agreements, and will provide a cost savings to the County. Cisco, who is not a direct seller, is passing through a 7% pricing consolidation discount through the Purchase Order with AT&T.

If this is not approved, DoIT’s ability to respond to customers’ needs and to correct issues may be negatively impacted.