HCPS FL Logo Business Services
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, July 18, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Annual Expenditure for Microsoft Azure Cloud Services from Dell Marketing L.P. (Business Services Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Microsoft Azure is an open, flexible, enterprise-grade cloud computing platform. The district continues to expand the use of Microsoft Azure to increase systems availability and scalability, minimize the acquisition of new hardware, and reduce the total cost of ownership of the district’s data center.  The district has utilized Microsoft Azure cloud services since June 2014, covering core services and applications to enhance availability, and assist with disaster recovery and communications.  This agenda item approves the estimated annual expenditure for Microsoft Azure services.  Services are invoiced monthly for actual usage.  Microsoft Azure services enable the district to avoid the expense and complexity of buying and managing physical servers and other data center infrastructure.  These services can quickly scale up and down with demand, and the district only pays for the capacity we use.

Core services provided by Microsoft Azure include student and staff file protection, domain name services, directory services, virtual server replication, and backup data for disaster recovery.  Application services include Online Report Cards, Professional Development System training, student activities, web servers, and federation services for security access to hosted application providers. 

In accordance with Florida Department of Education Purchasing Rule 6A-1.012(14), Information Technology, as defined in Section 282.0041(15), F.S., is exempt from the competitive solicitation process, and acquisitions may be made by direct negotiation and contract with a vendor or supplier, as best fits the needs of the school district as determined by the district school board.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Continuously improve processes and systems • Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $205,000 will be available in the annual Information Technology Department Budget.  There is no specific project number assigned for this purchase.  Funds will be allocated in the 2017/2018 fiscal year budget. 
EVALUATION
Microsoft Azure utilization is reviewed monthly by the Information Technology Manager of Shared Services and Infrastructure, and with the Procurement Services managers annually to ensure it provides the functionality required to meet the district goals and objectives in the most cost effective manner.
SUBMITTED BY:  Corey A. Murphy, General Manager, Procurement Services
Rick Laneau, General Manager, Information Technology
Gretchen Saunders   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 6.08
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170718_816 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.08