Technology Service Contract to Save City Thousands

In a 4-1 vote, Gulfport City Council approved a contract with Extensys, Inc. for a managed service contract for the city's technology services. 

Extensys, Inc will provide remote monitoring, remote administration, and onsite services for the City of Gulfport's server, network, and desktop infrastructure, according to the contract.

According to city staff, the Information Technology Director resigned in October 2012 and since then, the city has been using an Interim Information Technology Director and a subcontractor to help with services.

Councilor Christine Brown cast the only "no" vote due to concerns about the contract. Brown noted concerns about "remote" monitoring and the price tag. The contract calls for a monthly fee of $9,700 for Extensys services. 

Despite Brown's concerns, council voted 4-1 to approve the contract.

"This fits our needs," Jim O'Reilly said.

The contract is for one year and will cost the city $116,875 for FY 2014. Compared to the cost for in house technology services in FY 2012, ($188,694), that's a savings of $71,819.

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