Replacement of Wide Area Network and Server Infrastructure.

Descriptions

Bidders are invited to submit a proposal for: (a) supply and support of the wide area network infrastructure; (b) supply and support of the server infrastructure; and (c) support of the local area networks at each of the Cedar Foundation's sites and for end user devices. Cedar's current network implementation is based on broadband connections used to interconnect its sites through several connection points. The servers, which deliver organisation wide functionality, such as file sharing, email and access to third party applications are dispersed throughout the network. The capacity and design of the current WAN structure, aligned with the multiple server locations can result in users experiencing slow, inconsistent and problematic access to organisation wide functionality when working from other sites.It is envisaged that this functionality should be delivered from a centralised location with a back-up/disaster recovery implementation at another location.The project can be split into 2 separate but related areas: (a) the WAN infrastructure; and (b) the servers and the delivery mechanisms/technologies used to deliver the organisation wide functionality to the end users. As such it is important that the structure of the WAN is matched to the delivery mechanism(s). It is expected that the support of the whole IT infrastructure (WAN and servers) would be provided as a managed service through a helpdesk using remote support technologies and support staff deployed to site as needed to minimise service disruption. The solution must also comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 including data migration, the protection of confidential/personal data and the use of external data storage locations.The successful bidder will also be required to work with third party suppliers where existing contracts are in place for mobile devices, provision of printers and Cedar's web and intranet sites.The successful bidder will be required to commit to a 4 hour on-site response time for any major issues affecting the service including, for the avoidance of doubt, complete outage or significant outage affecting multiple users. It is anticipated that such on-site response may be required at (but is not limited to) the following sites: Ulsterville Avenue, Belfast; Antrim Road, Belfast; Balmoral; Ballymena; Derry; and Newry.The project scope is therefore:in scope and mandatory:(a) WAN provision and support;(b) server farm provision and support;(c) deployment and support end user devices;(d) support of local area networks; and(e) user training relating to the new infrastructure/delivery mechanisms,out of scope:(a) procurement of end user devices; and(b) provision of local area networks except for their connection to the WAN.