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7 <br /> 4. Major Benefits <br /> Mainframe: <br /> The County would be moving totally to a new UNIX environment. <br /> The Model 590H, the one proposed in option two, was just released <br /> in August of 1994 . UNIX was designed from the very beginning with <br /> multiuser and multitasking as a primary goal. The UNIVERSE <br /> database currently used on the existing RS6000 530H was designed <br /> to replace the old McDonnell Douglas database, so it runs our <br /> existing applications with very few changes and our DP staff will <br /> continue to work with a programming language very familiar to <br /> them. Again, if the budget is approved as recommended, staff will <br /> pursue an upgraded RS6000, which will permit us to discontinue the <br /> costs associated with operations and maintenance of the McDonnell <br /> Douglas. All County mainframe applications would be moved to the <br /> RS6000, with the ability to upload and download much of the data <br /> that now resides on the McDonell Douglas directly to and from PCs, <br /> without the labor intensive requirement of special programming. <br /> By way of example, the County's annual operating budget, which is <br /> now prepared on a Lotus-driven PC network in the Budget Office, <br /> could be uploaded directly to the RS6000 to create the general <br /> ledger for 1995-96. With the McDonnell Douglas, every line item <br /> for every County department that has been keyed into the <br /> Budget network must also be keyed into the mainframe to create <br /> next year's general ledger. With the additional space available <br /> from an upgraded RS6000, all applications could run on one <br /> mainframe with some excellent opportunities for efficiencies <br /> created. <br /> Either upgrade option will support direct ETHERNET connectivity <br /> to our GIS system and to our LANs currently used in several County <br /> offices. The new system will enhance countywide staff efficiency <br /> by allowing database information access to our growing PC LAN <br /> users. <br /> Personal Computers: <br /> The purchase of new personal computer equipment, upgrading the <br /> existing equipment, and purchasing new software and training staff <br /> on the use of this new software, would allow for moving to the <br /> county-wide WINDOWS environment recommended by the Data Processing <br /> Steering Committee, the MCI Automation Committee, and the Human <br /> Services Management Team. This standardization will allow for <br /> better and more effective use of staff time in the delivery of <br /> services to the citizens of Orange County. <br />