Information Technology Architecture

Document Code No.: INF 8-2 (AEP)
Department/Issuing Agency: Information Resource Council
Effective Date: November 20, 1997
Approved: /s/ Ron Sims
Type of Action: New

1.0 PURPOSE:

This policy provides a County-wide framework for creating and implementing Information Technology Architecture. Information Technology Architecture includes the hardware, software, and procedures needed for computers to function separately and as part of an overall network of computers. County-wide information system policies provide the framework for making computer data widely available and for building an efficient County computer system and network. The policies are intended to produce hardware and software consistency which will allow users to easily exchange information. The policies are also intended to offer solutions to common technical problems which will minimize the need to research available solutions when planning technical purchases.

These policies are not designed to mandate rigid, inflexible rules which could eliminate inherent benefits in decentralized computing. An assessment of each agency's current hardware and software, and a strategy for moving to County-wide standards is a critical and required component of achieving savings and other objectives of standardization.

2.0 POLICIES:

2.1 Applicability

2.1.1 Information technology standards apply to new installations, major enhancements, and to the replacement of existing systems.

2.1.2 This policy will implement standards over a five-year period. By 2002, all King County applications and information systems will conform to the information technology standards unless excepted pursuant to paragraph 2.2 of this policy.

2.1.3 Due to the maturation and stability of applicable base industry standards, some standards will be pursued more aggressively.

2.2 Exceptions to Standards

2.2.1 There are occasions when agencies have special conditions or extraordinary requirements preventing conformance with a standard. Agencies may request an exemption from an approved standard through the TSC.

2.2.2 Exceptions shall be granted only if:

2.2.2.1 Compliance with the standard would adversely affect the ability of the agency to accomplish mission critical functions; or

2.2.2.2 Compliance would cause a major adverse financial impact on the agency which is not offset by County-wide benefits.

2.2.3 Exceptions that affect less than 10 users or workstations over the course of a year or have a cumulative annual cost of less that $25,000 do not need TSC approval.

2.3 Existing Non-standard Technology

2.3.1 Existing non-standard technology does not need to be immediately replaced. A business case should be made for continuing with the non-standard technology before making any upgrades, replacement, or significant enhancements.

2.4 Maintenance of Standards

2.4.1 Establishing an initial set of information technology standards is a starting point. The standards are based upon international and industry standards. Advances in information technology will require periodic review and revisions to the standards adopted under this policy. Proposed changes to this policy should be forwarded to the appropriate agency representative on the King County Technology Subcommittee of the Information Resource Council.

2.4.2 The standards will be available for review on the King County Intranet as they are created.

2.5 Penalties

2.5.1 Failure to comply with the County Information Technology Architecture policies and standards may result in a denial of technology funding approval.

3.0 PROCEDURES:

N/A.

4.0 DEFINITIONS:

4.1 Information Technology Architecture: the hardware, software, and procedures needed for computers to function separately and as part of an overall network of computers.

4.2 Agency includes departments, offices, and agencies of King County

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES:

5.1. It is the responsibility of the Technology Subcommittee (TSC) of the Information Resource Council (IRC) to recommend the standards and products that support and define the related policies.

5.2. It is the responsibility of the IRC to review standards and products recommended by the TSC and to approve them if acceptable.

5.3. It is the responsibility of the TSC to review the standards and products as needed to ensure they are still current and appropriate for King County.

5.4. It is the responsibility of the Information and Telecommunication Services Division (ITS) to work with the Procurement Division to negotiate site licenses or volume purchase agreements when practical for products that support approved standards.

5.5. It is the responsibility of ITS to arrange for County training in the products that support approved standards.

5.6. It is the responsibility of ITS to support a County user group for approved products and standards.

5.7. It is the responsibility of ITS to provide full Helpdesk support for products that support approved standards, as well as ITS internal consulting services.

5.8. It is the responsibility of individual County agencies to follow approved standards and to acquire and use approved products unless excepted pursuant to paragraph 2.2 of this policy.

5.9. It is the responsibility of each agency to include migration and implementation plans to comply with these standards within their annual technology plan.

5.10. It is the responsibility of each agency to establish its own internal standards or guidelines for software products not addressed by County-wide standards.

6.0 ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED:

6.1. This policy and related information technology standards apply to all King County departments, offices, and agencies.

7.0 REFERENCES:

N/A

8.0 KEY WORDS:

8.1. Information Technology Architecture

8.2. Information Technology Standards

9.0 APPENDICES:

None.