The work programme to support IT Transformation and IT security fell

into two themes: “Building a solid foundation” and “My Desktop

Anywhere”.

The Council has a duty to protect its data. Further, we must do so in

order to continue to provide a high level of service to customers. To

allow this to happen, we needed to ensure the availability of ICT systems

and access to data in a secure and reliable manner. This is provided by

the IT infrastructure and can be thought of as the foundation to build

upon.

In addition, the Council faces challenges including a continued

increase in the amount of data being processed and stored, service

provision to customers outside normal operating times through online

services, and increasing costs and reduced resources.

New Ways of Working (NWoW) initiative outlined the need for officers

to access information in a variety of ways and time periods to support

changing customer requirements and working patterns. Using

technology to provide “My Desktop Anywhere” supports NWoW putting

the power into the department to design and provide their service.

To support this transformation IT needed to further transform! The

approach of “high availability by design” should be implemented. The

aim of high availability was to maximise access to systems and data for

officers and customers. IT Transformation is delivered through the

Modern Work Programme. Phase 1 improves current storage and links

this with Microsoft Azure cloud services to enable the Council to take

full advantage of the “cloud”.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Kerslake and was SECONDED by Cllr Wiles

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

1.    That the details in this report are noted and the approach of high

availability by design to IT transformation and security is agreed.

2.    Schedule an information workshop to inform Members in more

detail.

REASON FOR DECISION

Provision of a robust computing service to support the changing needs of

the Council’s working practices to support the modern workforce.

Provision of  the ‘high availability’ by design to support the overall

transformation and NWoW as outlined in Audit Scrutiny & Transformation Agenda item 9 (29.09.2015).

Provision of  a cost effective and sustainable ICT service.