1 Outsourcing the RAS April 19, 2006

2 Primary RAS Functions: Provide network connectivity When working from home When traveling via When working from remote sites As a last resort when no other means of connectivity is available For NCAR Airplanes

3 Why Outsource: Pros Ability to increase/decrease port count on a per port basis, not per PRI. Maintenance handled by 3rd party Fully redundant system and hot backup. Cost

4 Why Outsource: Cost

5 Why Outsource: Cons Lose direct control and flexibility of RAS and modem configs. Still incur FTE cost for user access questions/issues?

6 Open Issues Validate functional compatibility. Negotiate minimum charge. Service Level Agreement

7 Questions?