FROM: Joe Michael, Chief Information Officer
SUBJECT: Pure Storage SAN Procurement
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommend that the Board approve the purchase of storage area network equipment from CDW-G in an amount not to exceed $199,573.33.
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BACKGROUND:
SBCERA’s current data storage infrastructure is reaching the limits of its useful life, creating mounting challenges related to performance, reliability, and cost. In an era where data drives nearly every aspect of our operations, SBCERA cannot afford unexpected outages, declining performance, or increased maintenance demands.
To address these challenges, we recommend replacing our aging storage platform with the Pure Storage FlashArray X20 model, which offers SBCERA the appropriate balance of performance, scalability, and investment protection. This upgrade will ensure we can select the best solution for our data and applications, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid configuration. The total cost for this procurement would be $199,573.33, leveraging the NASPO (National Association of State Procurement Officials) contract through CDW-G. A copy of the CDW-G proposal is attached as Exhibit A.
Current State of Our Storage Infrastructure
Over the past decade, our storage needs have grown exponentially due to the increasing size of datasets and the growing complexity of application workloads. Unfortunately, our existing storage platform was not designed to handle this level of scale, and its age now creates several operational risks:
• Frequent Maintenance and Repairs: Aging hardware components fail more often, resulting in higher maintenance costs and unscheduled downtime.
• Escalating Energy and Cooling Costs: Outdated spinning disk arrays are far less energy-efficient than modern flash storage, consuming significant power and floor space.
• Limited Performance Headroom: As applications become more data-intensive, the current system increasingly struggles to meet performance requirements, affecting staff productivity and member experience.
• Restricted Scalability: Expansion is cumbersome, costly, and parts are discontinued, making it challenging to keep up with the pace of data growth and evolving workloads.
The Proposed Solution
Following an in-depth review of available solutions, staff has selected the Pure Storage FlashArray X20 storage area network, which includes key advantages for business continuity, operational agility, growth, energy efficiency, integration for on-premises, cloud, or hybrid storage needs in the future.
The total cost for the procurement of the Pure Storage FlashArray X20 solution is $199,573.33, secured through the NASPO (National Association of State Procurement Officials) contract via our long-standing partner, CDW-G. Leveraging the NASPO contract ensures that pricing is standardized across all vendors, which negates the need for a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process in this instance. All vendors participating under NASPO are required to offer identical pricing for the specified unit, ensuring transparency and fairness in the procurement process. Staff was unable to locate any alternative provider at a lower total cost.
Upon approval, the IS team will finalize a phased migration plan to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Costs for this item are included in the current year administrative and/or non-administrative budget.
STRATEGIC PLANNING GOAL/OBJECTIVE:
Operational Excellence & Efficiency
STAFF CONTACT:
Joe Michael
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A: CDWG Pure Storage Quote