IT Governance Business Case
Background
The City of Durham's Technology Solutions (TS) department manages the City's network infrastructure, and it has a focused role in ensuring the Local Area Network (LAN) connectivity is reliable and stable. Each City site includes its own complex layer of network equipment that enables City employees and guests to access the internet, including equipment like network switches, wireless access points, and ethernet cables.
Although the core network equipment lives inside of network closets, ethernet cables extend from the closet to connect desktops and laptops to the internet. Some facilities also have wireless access points that allow for wireless connectivity so users can connect their devices from any location within range. Currently, the City has 377 TS-managed access points deployed at a variety of City sites.
Current Business Problem
TS is routinely asked by other departments to deploy Wi-Fi "everywhere" to enable a modern, flexible work environment across the City. Although TS has deployed 377 access points (AP), there are many locations still lacking wireless coverage. At locations without wireless access points, users must rely on wired ethernet connections or MiFi solutions that enable wireless connection for their device. And other City sites have deployed external internet services for wireless connectivity, which reduces the City's ability to centrally manage and secure its network traffic.
Before this business problem can be solved, the City must first complete the compliance efforts to refresh its network closets and refresh its outdated APs.
Current Pain Points
• Inequitable technology experience across City sites
• Incomplete coverage at strategic sites
• Overreliance on MiFi solution to connect mobile devices
• Lack of flexibility in performing routine operations
• Reduced ability to centrally manage and secure network
Future State Benefits
• Consistent, equitable technology experience across City sites
• Complete coverage at strategic sites
• Easy, automatic connection for mobile devices
• Flexible work environment
• Centrally managed and secure network
Strategic Alignment
Analysis and Recommended Solution
Current State & Issues
Current State:
• City sites with TS-managed Wi-Fi: 36
• City sites without TS-managed Wi-Fi: 38
Key Issues:
• Many City sites lack wireless connectivity.
• Strategic sites have Wi-Fi dead zones.
• Other sites are using external service providers to gain wireless connectivity.
Recent wireless surveys conducted at City Hall and Fleet Management recommended additional APs to ensure complete coverage:
• City Hall (+11)
• Fleet Management (+4)
PDHQ and Water Management are examples of sites with comprehensive wireless coverage.
Solution Analysis
Environments: Wireless connection is needed in both indoor and outdoor environments for routine City work:
• Indoor: Flexible connectivity for desktops, laptops, and other mobile devices
• Outdoor: Vehicle diagnostics, inventory checks, field equipment updates, etc.
Alignment: Ensuring complete, TS-managed wireless coverage at all City sites enables:
Consistent wireless experience at all City sites
Flexible and efficient work environments
Centrally managed and secure network
TS recommends allocating funding for 450 new APs to ensure comprehensive WiFi coverage at every City site, ‑ supporting all indoor workspaces and key external environments used for fleet, operations, and other public services.
Project Costs
Market Analysis
Current State: The City currently uses Cisco Meraki APs at all sites with wireless connection.
Alternative: TS has recently invested in Fortinet solutions, which offer comparable capabilities at a more competitive cost. Fortinet offers core network equipment as well as APs.
Cost Analysis:
Although Fortinet requires greater upfront investment, it significantly reduces operational costs to maintain the City's network.
Recommended Solution: Expand Wi-Fi across the City
Description
Procure the goods and services needed to expand the current fleet of TS-managed wireless access points across all City sites.
Pros Cons
• Consistent technology experience across City sites
• Complete coverage at strategic sites
• Easy, automatic connection for mobile devices
• Flexible work environment
• Centrally managed and secure network
• N/A
Recommended Solution - Project Financial Estimate
Risk Identification
Mitigation Risk (Costs)
• N/A
Contingency Risk (Costs)
• N/A
Our ask
We are asking the IT Governance Steering Committee to approve and score the business case to expand the City's Wi-Fi coverage for all sites. If approved, the business case will be scored, ranked, and submitted to the City Manager for final approval.