DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE ICT INFRASTRUCTURE

Start Feasibility assessment – Understanding our core business In 1998 it was clear that a disproportionate expenditure ratio of line vs. support functions in the public sector. A functional analysis, completed in 1999 found that: –resources were duplicated and not optimised. –there were skills shortages in key areas and scarce skills were not well distributed across departments. –the focus on support functions was distracting efforts away from frontline delivery, i.e. Core. Government Services. –over-spending by the big departments and continual qualified audit reports by the Auditor General.

The Shared Services Centre, and provide the following functions: –Human Resource Services; –Finance Services; –Procurement Services; –Internal Audit; and –Technology Support Services.

Common Services Centralized Common Support Services via a “Shared Services”

Benefits Economies of scale. Reduction of duplication on transversal apps. Single Domain. Automation of processes. Rationalization of resources (ICT skills). Single network. Standardization. Increased efficiencies.

The role of ICT in the growth path Removing barriers that impede the efficient operation of a networked and connected economy; Encouraging innovation, research and development and the knowledge economy; Enhance capacity and capabilities which in turn increases opportunities for increased income; Ensuring optimal resource reallocation and sustainable resource usage.

ICT Strategic

ICT Transformation The Strategy: Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Consolidation – As Is Current Situation:  Multiple Data Centres / Server Rooms  Replicated Skills  Inefficient use of Resources  Wasted Capacity  High operational Costs  No Disaster Recovery Centre  Specialised ICT Skills Shortage

ICT Transformation The Strategy: Data Centre and Disaster Recovery Consolidation – As Is Desired State: Consolidate all departmental Data Centres and Server Rooms into a highly available provincial data centre and disaster recovery environment.  Reorganised Skill Placement  Maximum resource efficiency  Scalable capacity  Cost efficiency   High availability environment  Faster  Greener  Cheaper

ICT Investments People –Recruited and trained specialised resources to support transversal services. –Continuous training in line with cutting edge technologies using Technology –Implemented an ERP application for automation of GPG processes. –Centralised , domain services management. –Created a single VPNS network with a single gateway to the outside. –Implemented a Cyber Security Operational Centre –Implemented a Network Operations Centre to proactively monitor our infrastructure services. –Implemented a document management system.

ICT investments Process re-engineering –Automated common processes such as HR, Procurement Finance, Contract management etc. to improve efficiencies: Procure to Pay Finance Asset management –Implemented the Online portal for users –Implemented an invoice management system for supplier convenience.

ICT assessment Matured data centre for transversal services. Established Wide Area Network (WAN). Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Network Operations Centre (NOC). ICT infrastructure is aged (end of life). External variables that affect our ICT environment (municipal services). Specialised ICT professionals in various disciplines. Capacity challenges in specialist / scarce skills area’s. Staff attraction and retention is a challenge.

ICT assessment Established Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) tools. Ability to develop products using various development tools is strong. Application suites available may be underutilised. An alternate approach is required to reduce ICT costs. These may include: –Licence operating models. –Leasing hardware –Right tasking certain services. –Introduction and the expansion of strategic partnerships. –Introducing consumption based computing for services.

Responses to current challenges A number of focus area’s have been identified. Practical approach. Improving on the ICT service offerings. Maximise the investment in ICT for smooth business work. Solutions Consider solutions to improve the state of the current transversal data centre: –Infrastructure as a service for the provincial ICT requirements. –The use of shared infrastructure.