At this time, the Board has installed significant communications equipment supporting wide area networks, wired networks, and wireless local area networks.  There has also been a significant investment in monitoring software and employee training in the support of the Cisco product line.  All of the installed communications have been purchased from independent suppliers selling Cisco manufactured devices.  Cisco equipment has been installed since the inception of the Board's program to create data communications for all schools because the original awarded Bid provided for Cisco equipment.

Due to the significant installed base, the interoperability of equipment from a single manufacturer, the value of manufacturer technical support, and the significant operational costs associated with the introduction of a second manufacturer's product, it is in the best interest of the Board to limit the purchase of communication equipment to a Sole Brand. 

Sole Brand selection will allow the Board to seek Bids and purchase equipment from many suppliers that have agreements to sell Cisco equipment.  The number of independent suppliers will allow for competitive bidding.

Tom W. Moore, Chief Information Officer, Information Services Department