Information Technology
State Government Enterprise IT Standards
Standard S-001-001
| Technology: | Platform Architecture - Hardware |
| Category: | Personal Computer Hardware Platform: Workstation (desktops and laptops) |
| Purpose: | To establish guidelines for procurement
of personal computer hardware. |
| Effective Date: | April 8, 2005 |
| Review Cycle: | 6 Months |
Introduction:
Workstation procurements are expected to achieve life cycle and performance objectives. Each agency within the enterprise will establish an asset life for their workstations. Applications, security, and enterprise requirements will determine the maximum life for a workstation. For example, as applications demand greater processor speed or more memory, application architectures changes (32 bit to 64 bit) occur, or operating systems and security subsystems are retired; workstations with older technology may no longer be adequate.
For new purchases or leases, the class configuration needed for the workstation will be determined by various criteria, including the number and types of applications being run, organizational needs, and user’s performance expectations. Please note that prices, features, and performance can change frequently in the PC industry. As a result, the purchase configuration will be updated twice a year to stay current with industry improvements.
The purpose of this standard is to allow the enterprise to obtain all its workstations from a single purchase contract. Replacement cycle for workstations is only critical from the perspective that a minimum number of workstations can be specified for replacement each year. The contract will specify the minimum number of workstations to be purchased in a year, require the vendor to provide workstations with the same chip sets for the entire year, and require the vendor to adjust the price based on current market value. The vendor will be required to fully configure, deliver to the end user, and set up a portion of the machines. The vendor will alternately be required to bulk deliver minimal, preloaded machines to central locations for imaging and set up by the state. Pricing by the vendor will reflect the different delivery and setup options.
Standard:
- Basic Specifications
Enterprise workstation configurations will be established by a subcommittee of the Joint Council of Chief Information Officers (JCIO) based on each agency’s input concerning processor architecture, motherboard chip set versions (sound, network, video, IO ports, etc), and installed memory. Other factors may be included; such as hard drive space, video card memory, or other items important to the enterprise. Agencies will select their workstations from the classes of configurations available based upon their determination of which workstation will adequately perform intended tasks and will run their specific applications.
See attached standard specifications (pdf) - Classes of Configurations:
Specialty purchases will occur due to specific business needs and as such the class standards below will not apply. Examples include “ultra-durable” laptops, “ultra-portable” laptops, and “super” workstations for training. The enterprise, through mass purchases, will benefit from a having a limited number of optional classes for workstation purchases. Specifications for these classes of frequently purchased workstation configurations shall be researched and published twice annually. Examples of frequently purchased classes may include:
- Entry Level/Mainstream Desktop Configuration
- Power User/Graphic Desktop Configuration
- Diskless Workstations Configuration
- Entry Level/Mainstream Laptop Configuration
- Power User Laptop Configuration
- Tablet Configuration
- Peripheral Equipment Replacement Considerations:
When purchasing replacement workstations, a separate decision about replacing the peripherals is in order. Each agency shall determine if retaining, instead of replacing, current peripherals is cost effective.