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6 <br />changes and our Data Processing staff will continue to work <br />with a programming language very familiar to them. <br />The major features of the proposed RS6000 Model 550 are: <br />128 MB of memory (vs. 23 MB on current platforms combined); <br />2.5 GB of disk space; 192 asynchronous ports (expandable to <br />256); and 64 Ethernet ports (expandable to 256). Total <br />annual mainframe maintenance charges are $19,824. This <br />covers 24 hour a day, 7 day a week IBM maintenance on the <br />hardware and VMart maintenance, thru CRC, on the software. <br />The bid of $275,088 includes the conversion of all our <br />application programs and data to the new platform, the above <br />hardware and software, training for the DP staff for AIX and <br />the differences in the new UNIVERSE DBMS, training for the E- <br />ntail package and all installation and shipping charges. The <br />trade -in allowance is only $12,000 on both current platforms, <br />so if we decided to keep those the total cost would be <br />$287,088. We are particularly sensitive to maintaining the <br />integrity of the revaluation system during any potential <br />conversion to a new platform from the existing Prime. <br />My'staff and I conducted a site visit to Randolph County, <br />which recently installed a smaller version of the RS6000, the <br />Model 530. They have two Model 530's installed, one with <br />88 users for their general county DP functions and one <br />for their GIS system. They are very pleased with the <br />performance of both platforms. I also felt it was important <br />to discuss system performance with other users comparable in <br />size to Orange County. Although I have not spoken with any <br />such local government users? I have received highly favorable <br />reviews of the new IBM equipment from three private sector <br />entities with up to 400 users. Since the Model 550 is so new <br />there are limited numbers of them currently in operation. I <br />also contacted several users that had contracted with CRC to <br />convert their application software and data to the UNIVERSE/ <br />UNIX solution and all were very satisfied with the results. <br />S. Conclusion <br />Orange County has a number of options it can pursue with <br />regard to improving mainframe capacity and performance. I <br />plan to conduct further review of our system and financing <br />options, with assistance from staff of the Budget and Finance <br />Departments. I plan to incorporate Board comments into this <br />review process, and report back to the Board with a request <br />for decision at the appropriate time. <br />I <br />a <br />