Georgia Infrastructure Transformation (GAIT) 2010 update, Vol. 1, Issue 24 (Nov. 13, 2009)

Georgia Infrastructure Transformation (GAIT) 2010 Update
Issue No. 24

November 13, 2009

Server and storage consolidation to bring greatest transformation benefits
Server and storage consolidation has often been cited as one of the major activities for modernizing the state's IT operations and ensuring greater reliability of the applications that support essential state services.
We are now beginning to work with agencies to prepare for relocating servers and the applications running on them to the State Data Center. In many instances, these servers are operating in state office buildings without adequate backup for electrical power or cooling, physical security or alarms in case something goes wrong. A large number of these servers are old and technically obsolete.
During the state's comprehensive IT assessment in 2007, Technology

In This Issue
Tools to help improve server performance
Dell Desktop Manager makes enterprise computer management possible
AT&T scheduling site surveys as part of capacity
management for voice services
Services Management Manual now available
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Partners International took a look at agency data centers and found that none came close to the technical and operational standards the state should be using. On a scale of 1 to 5, the highest-scoring agency data center received 2.59. In contrast, the State Data Center scored 4.91. The most advanced and comprehensive features of modern IT operations are built into the state facility. It provides a state-of-the-art environment for protecting servers, applications and information - all strategic state assets.
About 2,000 servers will be reviewed for consolidation, but there is a critical first step we must take before actually beginning to consolidate servers. That step is application remediation. It refers to documenting all the applications that are currently running on agency servers and the dependencies among those applications. Workbooks for collecting information about applications have already been distributed to agencies. As the workbooks are returned, IBM is analyzing the data.
In addition, GTA and IBM have scheduled one-on-one meetings with agencies in November and December to begin a deep dive into server consolidation and application remediation. Key agency staff will be asked to work with us to develop the necessary documentation, which may require a significant amount of their time. To lessen the workload, some of the information will be collected automatically with management tools that IBM is loading onto agency servers. (To learn more about these tools, see the article below.)

November
True Up
IT asset refresh begins
Disaster recovery planning
Server and storage consolidation kick-off webinar, Nov. 17
Service Catalog refresher training, Nov. 18
Deployment of server tools begins
Detailed billing begins

Server and storage consolidation and application remediation are major undertakings. Although they come at a time when your agency is pressed for resources, they are also where we will see the greatest benefits from the state's technology transformation. Those benefits will make it possible for you to continue delivering on your missions even in tough times.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Patrick Moore State Chief Information Officer GTA Executive Director

Tools to help improve server performance
IBM is installing several tools that will gather information about servers, monitor their performance, and enable them to run more efficiently. The first set of tools is being installed during November and December.
Here are broad descriptions of the tools and their functions:
q IBM Tivoli Monitoring - monitors servers and forwards alerts to system administrators.
q Server Resource Management - reports trending data about key server resources, such as processor, memory and disk space.
q Parity - gathers information about how an application depends on other applications and servers.
q Tivoli Configuration Management Agent - provides an inventory of software on a server.
q RemotelyAnywhere - provides secure remote control and administration for Windows-based systems.
q SMBDI - sends a ping from a central server to other servers; if a server does not respond within a specified time period, the central server alerts system administrators.
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Dell Desktop Manager makes enterprise computer management possible

As part of the state's technology transformation, Dell Desktop Manager (DDM) has been installed on about 30,000 desktop PCs and laptops in agencies receiving their IT infrastructure services from IBM.
With the new capabilities that DDM provides, the state has an enterprise approach to managing end-user computers for the first time. For example, software patches and updates can now be deployed in an automated, consistent and timely way across multiple agencies. Ensuring greater security and consistent system configurations are among the many benefits. IBM began deploying the first set of routine patches and updates at GTA this week as a test prior to rolling them out to other agencies. Pop-up messages alert end users before patches and updates are downloaded, and end users are given the option to delay downloads so they can continue working. End users may receive pop-up messages to let them know an update has been completed.
DDM also makes it possible to encrypt data on desktop PCs and laptops. In addition, a technician can work on someone's computer from a remote location. It means an end user's problem can be resolved more quickly and without dispatching Field Services, which helps constrain support costs.
Dell provides end-user computing services as a subcontractor for IBM.
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AT&T scheduling site surveys as part of capacity management for voice services

AT&T is beginning site surveys at customer locations as part of its efforts to manage capacity for voice services. The broad goal is to ensure telephone services and equipment continue to meet customer needs.
Contacts at customer locations can expect to receive an e-mail or telephone call from AT&T or Continuant, a subcontractor, to schedule a site survey within the next several weeks. During the survey, a technician will check voice services equipment. The surveys will be scheduled to minimize any disruptions to daily business operations, and voice services will not be affected.
AT&T will use the information collected during the surveys to manage capacity in accordance with current service usage and forecasted demand. AT&T will then be better equipped to:
q monitor usage compared to capacity q anticipate where changes in demand could affect performance q propose changes to address shifts in demand q upgrade, remove or add capacity
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Services Management Manual now available
Detailed operating procedures and processes for IT services have now been compiled in a single manual. Agency leads can access the Services Management Manual on the Georgia Enterprise Technology Services (GETS) Portal.
The Services Management Manual includes complete information about how to work with our service providers to get the services you need. It covers virtually every aspect of the services provided by IBM and AT&T and describes how specific functions are to be performed. The manual clearly defines the responsibilities of the service providers, GTA and the customer.
Among the many topics covered are:
q Performance Management q Financial Management

q Contract Management q Relationship Management q Service Provider Operational Processes q GTA Customer Operational Procedures Producing the manual - and the dozens of documents it encompasses - was no simple task. It was developed jointly by GTA, IBM and AT&T. Nearly a year in the making, the manual represents the work of more than 200 people. As with any document of this type, ongoing modifications will be necessary. Please let your Service Delivery Consultant know if you have questions or comments as you use the manual. Back to top
We welcome your comments about service delivery, the state's IT transformation and related topics. You can submit comments online or call our toll-free number to leave a recorded message.
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