HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - July 16, 2003 E-08u
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COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt resolution authorizing the purchase of Websmart Development Tools
from Business Computer Design International, Inc., of Hinsdale, III. ($22,650)
(EUDIISD)
MEETING DATE: July 16, 2003
PREPARED BY: Information Systems Analyst, Information Systems Division
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council authorize the purchase of Websmart Development
Tools from Business Computer Design International, Inc.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: At the request of the Electric Utility Department, Information Systems has
been researching tools that would enable data and information to become
available to customers via the Internet. There are few tools that work well
with the city's midrange computer (IBM AS400 iSeries), and many of those
that offer interoperability are exorbitantly priced and difficult to use. After much research and testing, we have selected
ProGen WebSmart, an integrated product suite manufactured by Business Computer Design (BCD). The city uses
other BCD products and they have performed well.
ProGen WebSmart is an application development tool for producing AS400 iSeries server -based, web -enabled
applications that interact with a browser. It also has a Web Application Server component that facilitates delivering
content via the Web. The WebSmart JSE version, which is included in the suite of tools being recommended, will
allow the city to run applications on non-iSeries platforms, such as Windows NT, 2000, and Unix. The city would also
be able to connect multiple databases, either on the same or other servers, such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
Staff has reviewed the WebSmart product and has been using a demo version for the past few weeks. The conclusion
of our testing is that the product will perform as advertised and we will be able to Web -enable a number of reports and
functions currently produced on paper or otherwise not available. The data will be "live" and real-time, coming from the
city's production IBM iSeries server, meaning the data will be extremely current.
Knowing the city's budget restrictions, BCD has significantly reduced its price for the tools being considered. These
discounts are guaranteed through July, 2003. The vendor has also extended its normal 90 -day new purchase support
coverage to one year, at no additional cost. This is a sole sourced product line as the manufacturer is also the vendor.
Security:
All of the products utilize the IBM iSeries 400 native security functions, which are among the most stringent in the
industry. In addition, the city shall invoke its own security layer, requiring user approval before access is granted to
certain data or documents.
How the tools will be used for I=UD:
Time of Use readings will be made available to certain large customers over the Internet
• Selected data from EUD's SCADA system can be presented in a browser -based form, available over the
Internet
• Operations information can be made available to authorized users in browser -based format over the city's
intranet
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How the tool can be used for other city applications:
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
• Management reports such as sick leave usage, expenditure reports, budget reports, employee leave
balances, summary and detailed expense reports,
• Employee self-service: Employees could have the ability to view their own leave balances, make changes to
benefit choices, view their withholding, deferred comp deductions, etc. Any process or information that
is authorized for viewing and/or changed by Human Resources could be made available to employees using
this technology. Employees will only be able to view their own information.
Summary of the benefits:
• No special client software needed (users only need a browser, i.e. Internet Explorer or Netscape)
• Automatically writes all HTML code, eliminating programming time
• Information displayed comes from production database and can therefore be "real time" data
• Tools are fully integrated with city's current systems
• Development performance cycle is dramatically reduced
• Depending upon complexity, development cycle may be a matter of hours instead of days or weeks
• Web deployment of certain data and information on a real-time basis greatly enhances EUD's customer
service and satisfaction
• Web -based reports reduce the city's dependence upon direct connections to JD Edwards, Orcom and EUD's
SCADA system
• Authorized users will be able to view data and information without compromising the city's network security
and that of the AS400
• Browser -based reports and documents can be made available either over the city s private intranet, or the
Internet, or both
• Authorized users can access data and information via the Internet using their web browser from anywhere;
users will be approved so a secure connection to the city's network will not be needed to view these pages
Prepared by: Laurie McCall, Information Systems Analyst
FUNDING: Electric Utility Capital Budget
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Vicky M ie, finance Director
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Steve Mann Alan Vallow
Information Systems Manager Electric Utilities Director
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn -- City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 2003-123
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY
COUNCIL AUTHORIZNG THE
SOLE -SOURCE PURCHASE OF
WEBSMART DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
WHEREAS, Lodi Municipal Code §3.20.070 authorizes dispensing with bids for
purchases of supplies, services, or equipment when it is in the best interest of the City to
do so; and
WHEREAS, at the request of the Electric Utility Department, the Information
Systems Department (ISD) has been researching tools that would enable data and
information to become available to customers via the internet; and
WHEREAS, after much research and testing, ISD has selected ProGen
WebSmart, an integrated product suite manufactured by Business Computer Design at
a cost of $22,650.00; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends the sole -source purchase of the WebSmart
Development Tools from Business Computer Design International, Inc., of Hinsdale,
Illinois, in the amount of $22,650.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lodi City Council does hereby
approve the sole -source purchase of WebSmart Development Tools from Business
Computer Design International, Inc., of Hinsdale, Illinois, in the amount of $22,650.00.
Dated: July 16, 2003
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I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2003-123 was passed and adopted by the
City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held July 16, 2003, by the following
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Beckman, Hansen, Howard, and Land
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — Mayor Hitchcock
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
SUSAN J. BLACKSTON
City Clerk
2003-123