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New network contract delivers more bandwidth at lower cost

One definition for efficiency is providing more for less. As many costs of ITD operations rise, the Enterprise Technology Group recently negotiated new contract with Syringa to increase bandwidth at a lower cost than under the old agreement.

Bill Finke and ITD’s network team achieved savings of $37,000 in circuit costs for the Division of Highways while expanding the network bandwidth by 69 percent in districts 1, 4 and 5. That means faster network transmission of data for less investment.

The new contract was the result of on-going discussions with the network provider as it expanded services throughout the state. ITD needed more bandwidth to support video conferencing and the exchange of complex data as part of the new Transportation Asset Management System.

The expanded capacity also will be needed as the department begins incorporating snowplow and winter maintenance data exchanges. The new technology will enable monitoring of truck locations and highway treatments as part of a pilot program.

ITD’s renegotiated contract, completed last spring, is a prime example of meeting ITD’s Strategic Plan goal of implementing innovative business practices and reducing operating costs through innovation, process improvement and technology.

“As I stated at the Leadership Summit, every position at ITD must either directly serve our customer or support those who do,” said Director Brian Ness. “This is an example of how members of the network team clearly understand they need to support those who directly serve our customers.

“Congratulations to Bill and his team.”