Standardization is the practice whereby better control is exercised over new information technology purchases. The practice requires new purchases to conform to a set of specifications such that, over time, the mix of hardware and software becomes more uniform. Doing so reduces the amount of complexity and creates the opportunity for the County to reduce information technology procurement and operating cost.
(Res. 81-1998)
A. 
The MIS committee shall keep a record of adopted standards that define the County's preferred manufacturer(s), model(s), make(s), and version(s) of information technology hardware and software components.
B. 
The MIS committee is the authority by which standards are adopted. Any department head may propose a new standard or a change to an existing standard. A proposal must be presented to the MIS committee as a recommendation. All recommendations must evaluate the following factors: need, cost, compatibility, transition impacts (including training), operational implications, and funding commitment.
C. 
If a standard does not exist, the MIS committee may ask central services to perform a study and deliver a recommendation for consideration.
D. 
Existing deployments of hardware and software that conflict with the initial standards definition in place at the time the governing resolution is adopted are grandfathered. Central services support will continue as if standard until the component is retired. No further investments in the grandfathered components are allowed, except as provided for in subsection (E) of this section.
E. 
New acquisitions are expected to comply with standards. Exceptions are allowed; however, they must have special approval from the information services manager before the order is placed. Such approval will be subject to the following factors: degree of impact on information technology infrastructure, degree of impact on other users, arrangements for technical support, expected useful life, and operations funding commitment.
F. 
Decisions of the information services manager should be appealed to the County administrator along with a recommendation from the MIS committee.
G. 
Central services will focus its delivery of support services only on the standard and grandfathered hardware and software, which will be delivered at no charge to departments. Support for nonstandard installations (either hardware or software) will occur on a time available basis and departments will be expected to reimburse central services for time spent on the call at the published hourly rate. Rates are adjusted annually. No work will be performed without a signed authorization to expend funds.
H. 
Standards shall be reviewed in concert with the annual review of the information technology strategic plan.
(Res. 81-1998; Ord. 45-2007 § 2)