Since it began, our transformation has focused on transitioning the existing IT environment. Now, our focus shifts to changing the environment and the way it operates, from the route data travels to how it is stored. Agencies will continue to play an important role by helping to provide oversight and strategic direction.
How are we transforming the environment? Key principles - security, reliability and recovery - are guiding the architecture. The new design will bring several benefits:
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Simplify the environment through standardization, consolidation and virtualization.
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Maintain and support efficiencies with modern technology and centralized management.
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Improve security to comply with federal standards.
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Build an enterprise environment that maintains agency autonomy while protecting data.
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Improve recoverability through data consolidation, real-time replication and off-site storage/retrieval.
Integrated consolidation projects
Some projects are the responsibility of one service provider. For example, IBM is responsible for the deployment of server tools, asset management and refresh of end-user computing equipment, while AT&T is responsible for projects such as WAN, Internet and security migration, PBX/Key system refresh and videoconferencing.
Other projects, known as integrated consolidation projects, require work and coordination from both service providers. Certainly, agencies play a key role in all projects, and planning meetings and workshops are already under way. A roll-out approach has been developed, with activities outlined for each wave, or phase, of the project, from agency pilots to full implementation.
Here are the integrated consolidation projects, listed according to provider with primary responsibility:
IBM
GETS Hosting Environment
We have moved from a shared hosting environment to dedicated agency hosting environments, which consolidates technology but enables agencies to own their data and business practices. Agency networks are being extended through virtual WANs, and security is being increased.
Server and Storage Consolidation (SCON/STORCON)
The objective is to create a shared enterprise computing environment that will enable agencies to realize cost savings over time, stay current with hardware and software server technology, leverage best practices for infrastructure services management and secure confidential information. Before servers can be moved to the North Atlanta Data Center (NADC), application remediation must take place. An IBM project manager will assist each agency.
Group Ware (Active Directory, E-mail/BlackBerry, File & Print)
Fully served GETS agencies will migrate to an Exchange 2007 messaging platform between July 2010 and April 2011. Using a single platform will result in greater availability and reliability and enable an enterprise-wide address book. Agency end users will receive 90 days notice to prepare their mailboxes for migration.
AT&T
Capitol Hill Network Remediation
AT&T will separate traffic for fully served agencies on the Capitol Hill network in preparation for firewall migration, consolidation of services to the NADC and Capitol Hill network redesign. The change will increase redundancy and security.
Managed Security Node/Managed Internet Services
Implementing security nodes and shifting agency Internet traffic from the NADC to the AT&T network will decrease bottlenecks while increasing capacity and redundancy. Migration of Internet traffic to AT&T security will occur on March 14. As pilot agencies, DJJ, DDS and OPB will migrate to the AT&T network between April 18 and May 30.
DNS/DHCP and IP Address Management
Servers for IP address management will be located at the NADC, with secondary servers in Boulder, CO. The project also will involve resolving any duplicate IP addresses. DJJ, DDS and OPB servers will move to the NADC between April 25 and July 12.
