| CNIC Initiative |
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Dec. 17, 2004
Q1. DAS human resources is going to define the technical positions in the new data center and there will only be two ISS 8 positions (including computing and network operations); the rest will be level 4 or 5, so many of those who go to the new center will have to take a cut in pay if they go.
A1. No decisions regarding job classifications for the state data center have been made. A classification analysis for all future positions will be completed in an open, collaborative way. That analysis will inform all classification decisions and the CNIC Steering Committee (agency CIOs) will be highly involved in decision-making regarding staffing for the state data center.
Q2. Most of our technicians are at the IS6 and above classifications. The new CNIC positions are expected to mostly be below these levels. This, plus the possibility that the new positions will be unrepresented, make them quite unattractive to our folks.
A2. Please refer to answer 1 above regarding classifications.
The representation of the new data center positions has not yet been established. Even if these positions are initially established as unrepresented, they will be eligible to be represented. There are processes in place for unions to seek voluntary recognition and representation of the unit.
Q3. There is a new CNIC phase that only involves the three big agencies (DAS, DHS, and ODOT). All the rest will follow in a year or two.
A3. The original plan to consolidate all 12 of the state’s largest data centers is still the current plan. The current plan, which is subject to refinement during the Architecture and Detail Design stages, calls for sequential consolidation over a two year period starting with the three largest centers. Agencies toward the end of the lift sequence have many months to wait until their data centers/server farms are consolidated.
DAS, DHS and ODOT are currently discussing how they might begin pursuing follow-on initiatives once consolidation of their computing and networking infrastructure is complete. This could help produce more savings faster (in response to the governor’s and Legislature’s directives to manage this project aggressively). Those initiatives could be undertaken while consolidation continues with the remaining nine agencies, since the project workload and complexity both decline once the three largest data centers are consolidated.
Q4. How can the state proceed with building a new facility for the new state data center when so many technical questions remain unanswered?
A4. It is not necessary to answer all technical questions to gain sufficient information to begin building a facility. The construction project is phased, so that more detailed decisions will be made later, as more technical details are defined. The design/build team the state is contracting with is experienced in construction of state-of-the-art data centers throughout the northwest, and is using an established industry-standard methodology for design and construction. As designed, the facility is capable of handling all existing equipment, with sufficient capacity for reasonable future growth. The facility is also designed so that it can be physically expanded, should the state’s need increase beyond what is foreseeable today.
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