In 2005, DIT formed an Infrastructure Architecture Task Force (IATF) to analyze our current computing environment and provide recommendations for ongoing improvements. These improvements focused on several areas with the goals of increasing manageability, taking advantage of new technologies, and standardization. The areas focused on by the IATF were Network, Servers, End User Computing, Databases, Cross-platform Solutions, Physical Plant, Storage, and Telephony. As a result of the IATF’s findings, DIT is undertaking several efforts to improve upon the City of Richmond’s computing infrastructure. These include the following initiatives:

• Core network infrastructure upgrade
• Blade server architecture implementation
• Server virtualization
• Consolidation of server platforms
• Elimination of redundant software packages
• Procurement of a more robust backup, archive, and recovery toolset
• Database package consolidation and standardization
• Service-oriented database architecture
• Desktop PC virtualization
• Desktop PC standards and refresh process
• Improved storage management process

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These initiatives will take time to complete. However, once complete the City of Richmond will have a stable and efficient computing infrastructure that utilizes the latest technologies. This will allow for simplified management practices and facilitate the application of standards across the entire computing infrastructure.

	Blade Server Technology
	The City of Richmond’s Department of Information Technology (DIT) has embraced a new Server Technology known as: Blade Server Technology.  With Blade Server Technology, we are now able to accomplish many strategic goals using a single strategy.  We are effectively reducing our overall technology footprint in our datacenter, improving upon our ability to quickly service Server related issues, and provide an increased level of overall Server “uptime”.  Blade Server Technology is the wave of the future which provides cutting edge advantages well beyond yesterday’s “box” style servers.
	Server Virtualization
	The City of Richmond’s Department of Information Technology (DIT) has entered into the new age of Server Management known as:  Server Virtualization.  Using VMWare, DIT can now recognize maximum value and cost savings by effectively reducing the overall number of actual servers within the Data Center.  While this strategy works well for future server purchases, it also presents great value by reconstructing our current environment by enabling us to consolidate existing aging servers onto Virtual Servers.  This reduces our need for purchasing new equipment to replace aging old equipment – providing a huge cost savings to the City.
	Wireless Mesh
	The City of Richmond is actively exploring the feasibility of and requirements for the deployment of a pilot City broadband wireless solution to serve the current and emerging public safety needs of multiple city agencies.   This network has the potential of enhancing the communication services the City of Richmond provides to departmental agencies while reducing existing recurring costs.  A primary goal of this pilot will be to determine if such a network will allow the city to demonstrate a measurable reduction of crime in certain areas of the city and an increase in police officer productivity and efficiency in the field. This network would not be designed for use by the general public, but only for City agencies and related organizations. If the pilot proves successful it would eventually be expanded to cover the entire city. This would allow City workers to be connected to our network even when out in the field. In addition to Police and other emergency services, many other departments, such as Social Services, Public Works and Public Utilities would enjoy greater efficiency and be able to provide more effective services to the citizens.