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HomeMy WebLinkAbout920139.tiff RESOLUTION RE: ACTION OF BOARD CONCERNING WAIVER OF TEN-DAY WAITING PERIOD FOR CONSIDERATION AND INVESTIGATION OF THE TAPE CARTRIDGE SUBSYSTEM - INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XIV, Section 14-9 of the Weld County Home Rule Charter, the ten-day period for consideration and investigation of bids submitted must be waived by resolution of the Board for emergency purposes, and WHEREAS, the Department of Purchasing has requested waiver of the ten-day period for the Tape Cartridge Subsystem for the Information Services Department, Bid Request No. 200100-92, due to the need to have the equipment installed prior to the March 3, 1992 Presidential Primary Election. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners deems it advisable to waive the ten-day waiting period for said bid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the ten-day waiting period for the Tape Cartridge Subsystem for the Information Services Department, Bid Request No. 200100-92 be, and hereby is, waived. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the bid from StorageTek on Bid Request No. 200100-92 be, and hereby is, approved. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 19th day of February, A.D. , 1992. kda4417 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: WELD COUNTY, COLORADO DO Weld County Clerk to the Board ` osgeKenedy, Chairman BY: is� lCons is L. eputy ler to the Boar Constance L. Harbert, ro-Tem APPROVED AS T ORM: C. W. Ki County Attorney Gor a W. H. Webster 920139 , ''' f EMORAnDurn ur , Don Warden, Director, February 14, 1992 's �,` A� To Weld County Finance and AdministrRf1bn Donn Ruby, Director, From Weld County Information Services s°bject Tape Cartridge Subsystem Evaluation Weld County Information Services sent out a Request for Information (RFI) on cartridge tape systems (Attachment A) on December 12, 1991. Four vendors, IBM, StorageTek, Hitachi Data Systems and Memorex Telex Corporation, were solicited and all responded by the January 6, 1992 target date. Sherry McDowell and I have reviewed the responses. Sherry's assessment of the proposals and references is included in Attachment B. I have analyzed the proposals from technical, vendor support, and financial perspectives. From a technical perspective there is little product differentiation. In general, each vendor proposed comparable equipment that would meet our immediate needs. However, StorageTek is the only vendor that proposed equipment that is field upgradable to meet our expressed potential future needs for enhanced recording capacity. The vendor support perspective provides more differentiation. StorageTek has committed significant resource for planning, installation, and training. Their track record at State Farm also supports this. I feel they, along with IBM, have demonstrated what I want in a business partnership. Hitachi indicates that they "can" provide certain support. Based on problems we experienced with them on the disk drives, I interpret this to mean that if we asked the right person the right question we can get an answer. Memorex has no track record with Weld County, but I perceive their proposal for support to be comparable to Hitachi's. Maintenance support also favors StorageTek. They committed to meet our desired response time of 2 hours, whereas Hitachi committed to a 3 hour timeframe. Replacement parts for StorageTek equipment can be stored here and at State Farm. Additionally, the parts are manufactured in Louisville. The financial perspective is varied and somewhat clouded. Hitachi proposed a system for a cost of $36,125, Memorex for $41,000, StorageTek for $47,000, and IBM for $72,170. If we acquire equipment from a vendor other than StorageTek, the cost increases by $5,054 which is the cost of buying out the remainder of our existing maintenance contract with StorageTek. If we acquire StorageTek equipment, they will waive this. Additionally, StorageTek will purchase two of the old drives for $500 each. This makes the bottom line on the Hitachi and StorageTek proposals to be $41,179 and $46,000 respectively. I recommend that Weld County Government purchase StorageTek's proposed tape cartridge configuration. I recognize that this is not the lowest bid. I have tried to quantify the unknown costs of additional staff time anticipated with Hitachi, of service disruption for my user community, of the conversion to the new tape format, and of the conversion to enhanced recording capabilities in the 920139 future. I feel the difference of $4821 is justified. Tape systems are StorageTek's primary business and they have a reputation for quality support for their product. If you need additional information concerning this, please notify me. cc: Sherry McDowell, Operations Manager, Weld County Information Services 920139 ATTACHMENT A Weld County is hereby requesting additional information from your organization regarding Magnetic Tape Cartridge Subsystem offerings. The attached list identifies the specific items we are requesting at this time. The information provided by the vendor will be used by Weld County for the purpose of evaluating Magnetic Tape Cartridge Subsystems capable of replacing our existing STC 4670/4674 Magnetic Tape Subsystem. All vendors should note that Weld County's short term objective is to address the need to upgrade to tape cartridge technology without increasing floor space. Our long term objective is to select a Magnetic Tape Cartridge Subsystem implementation that can grow to address the processing issues of unattended tape operations, while also reducing tape media and hardware errors with minimum interim disruption or expense. New and used equipment will be considered. Should your organization be interested in receiving further consideration by Weld County in this evaluation process, please have the requested information delivered to my office no later than January 6, 1992. Information received after that date may or may not receive further consideration, depending solely on the decision of Weld County management at that time. Questions and clarifications regarding this request should be directed to the following individual in Weld County: Sherry McDowell Phone (303) 356-4000 extension 4852 Weld County is making no commitment at this time to limit any future acquisition to the products being evaluated or to acquiring any product at all as a result of this evaluation process. Weld County reserves the right to discontinue this evaluation at any time and re-initiate it later with the same or other vendors. 920139 Weld County Information Services ENVIRONMENT: The primary emphasis of Weld County Information Services is to provide on- line/real time systems to County entities between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The majority of batch processing activities occur after prime time. Tape processing is primarily for backup and disaster recovery purposes and for data transfer to other institutions. Weld County's current hardware environment includes the following: IBM ES/9000-260 (12 channels) STC 4670-001 (w/2 channel switch) (3) STC 4674-001's Weld County's current tape library size is 5,000 reels. Weld County averages 235 tape mounts during daily batch processing. (65 Input Tapes and 170 Output Tapes) Average Annual Tape Library Growth Over the Last Three Years: 385 TAPES TARGET HOST ENVIRONMENT: IBM ES/9000-260 mainframe w/12 channels MVS/ESA Version 4 Release 1.0 operating system CA-1 Version 5.0 (Tape Management System) Weld County will keep the following Magnetic Tape Subsystem configuration, (1) STC 4670-001 controller/tape drive (1) STC 4674-001 tape drive Information Requirements for Magnetic Tape Cartridge Subsystem Evaluations 1) The Tape Cartridge System Evaluations must be delivered to the following address no later than January 6, 1992: Donn Ruby, Director, Weld County Information Services P.O. Box 758 915 10th Street Greeley, Colorado 80632 920139 2) Propose and define a Tape Cartridge System configuration for Weld County. The configuration must function in Weld County's environment and meet the requirements below: a. Provide 2x2 Magnetic Tape Cartridge Subsystem for a total of four transports b. Parallel Channel Attachment - channels to be piggy backed with STC 4674 tape subsystem c. Two Channel Switch for 2 channel attachment d. 4.5MB/SEC Channel Speed e. Minimum 4MB Internal Buffer f. AML (Automatic Magazine Loader) or ACL (Automatic Cartridge Loader) for each tape drive supporting manual, automatic, or system operation g. Minimum six cartridge capacity for loaders h. ERP - Enhanced Control Unit Error Recovery Procedures i. Operator Display Panels readable from a fifteen foot distance j . Optional Upgrade to 36-track, bidirectional recording format 3) Provide the following figures for the configuration defined in Item #2: Purchase Price (include all applicable discounts) Monthly or Annual Maintenance Costs (include all applicable discounts) Warranty Period Delivery schedule from date of customer order 4) Describe software tools provided to assist in the planning and implementation of a successful tape cartridge conversion. 5) Describe training on tape media and hardware. 6) Provide the following figures for each device type included in the configuration defined in Item #2: Electrical and Cooling Requirements Floor Space Requirements (length, width, height, and service clearances) Floor Loading Requirements (pounds per square inch) Reliability statistics (mean time between failure) Date of First Install Number of Units Installed Performance and Capacity Figures 920139 7) Provide the following information regarding the hardware maintenance personnel staffing that would be assigned to handle Weld County's account: Current Location and Number of Staff Size of Staff 2 years ago Guaranteed Response Time to Weld County Average Response Time Remote Diagnostic Facilities (Preventive and Remedial) 8) Provide five (5) references within the United States, two (2) of which are in Colorado, for the device types included in the configuration defined in Item #2. 920139 /7TT�9�iy��c�✓r.L5 ettp MEMORAnDum Mat Donn Ruby, Director, January 20, 1992 Date COLORADO Feld County Information Services From McDowell, Operations Manager, S\ weld County Information Services Subject Tape Cartridge Subsystem Evaluation IBM, StorageTek, Hitachi Data Systems and Memorex Telex Corporation responded to Weld County's Request For Information regarding tape cartridge subsystems by the January 6, 1992 target date. The evaluation of the RFI is divided into three parts. PART (1) Itemizes vendor's tape cartridge subsystem proposal and associated costs. PART (2) Vendors Response to Weld County's RFI. PART (3) Summary and Recommendation. PART 1: Itemizes Vendor's Tape Cartridge Subsystem Proposal and Associated Costs StorageTek Proposed the following subsystem configuration: 1 4480M20 Tape Controller (USED UNIT) 1 F1511 . First Additional Channel 1 F6140 4.5 MB Transfer 1 F6141 4 MB Cache 2 4480M22 Tape Drives (2 Transports each) (USED UNIT) 2 F4442 Velocity Option (fast rewind) 4 2511001 Cartridge Scratch Loaders (10 Cartridge Capacity each) Total Purchase Cost: $47,000.00 Total Monthly Maintenance Cost: 944.84 Installation & Freight Costs: 0 No warranty period. Delivery schedule is within 30 days from receipt of customer order. Used equipment is subject to availability. 920139 Memorex Telex Corporation proposed the following subsystem configuration: Option A: 1 5491 Tape Controller (NEW UNIT) (ONE YEAR WARRANTY) w/2ch Switch, EDRC, 4MB Buffer, 4.5 MB Transfer Rate One Year Warranty Period 2 5480 Cartridge Tape Units (USED UNITS) (SIX MONTH WARRANTY) w/ACL's Total Purchase Cost: 49,000.00 Total Monthly Maintenance Cost: 690.00 Availability is within 30 days of order and pricing includes training, installation, and Bus & Tag cables. Does not include transportation. Option B: 1 5481 Tape Controller (USED UNIT) (SIX MONTH WARRANTY) W/2Channel Switch, 4.5 MB Transfer Rate 2 5480 Cartridge Tape Units (USED UNIT) (SIX MONTH WARRANTY) w/ACL's Total Purchase Cost: 41,000.00 Total Monthly Maintenance Cost: 690.00 Availability: same as Option A Hitachi Data Systems proposed the following subsystem configuration: 1 7480-A22 Tape Controller w/4MB Buffer, 4.5MB/SEC channel transfer, two channel interfaces 2 7480-B22 Tape Units (four transports) including one Automatic Magazine Loader (AML) for each transport. Total Purchase Cost: 36,125.00 Total Monthly Maintenance Cost: 812.00 No Warranty Period The proposed equipment is subject to availability, but current delivery time frames are estimated at 30-60 days. Purchase price includes all applicable discounts, delivery and installation. 920139��pp IBM Corporation proposed the following subsystem configuration: OPTION A: 1 3490-A10 Tape Controller (NEW UNIT) w/two 4.5 Mb Channel, IDRC, 8 MB internal buffer 1 3490-B40 Tape Units (NEW UNIT) w/four transports with ACL in a single unit Total Purchase Cost: 170,992.00 Education/Services Credit: 7,123.00 Total Monthly Maintenance Cost: 802.00 One Year Warranty Available OPTION B: 1 3490-A01 Tape Controller (NEW UNIT) w/two 4.5 Mb Channels, IDRC, 2 Mb internal buffer 1 3490-804 Tape Units (NEW UNITS) w/four transports with ACL in a single unit Total Purchase Cost: 156,428.00 Education/Services Credit: 6,517.00 Total Monthly Maintenance Cost: 937.00 One Year Warranty Available OPTION C: 1 3480-A22 Tape Controller w/second channel attach FC 3307 for IDRC, 4.5 Mb channels support, 2Mb buffer FC 3354 (2) for 4.5 Mb channels 1 3480-B22 Tape Units (2) w/ACL Total Purchase Price 72,170.00 Total Monthly Maintenance Cost: 956.00 Installation Cost: 666.00 Transportation Cost: 668.00 Delivery schedule from date of customer order is four weeks. No Warranty Period 920139 - PART 2: Vendors Response to Weld County's Request for Information 1. The vendors were requested to propose and define a tape Cartridge subsystem configuration to function in Weld County's environment and meet the requirements below: a. Provide 1x2 Magnetic Tape Cartridge Subsystem for a total of four transports. IBM, STC, HDS, and Memorex met this requirement. b. Parallel Channel Attachment - channels to be piggy backed with STC 4674 tape subsystem. IBM, STC, HDS, and Memorex met this requirement. c. Two Channel Switch for 2 channel attachment. IBM, STC, HDS, and Memorex met this requirement. IBM is the only vendor with ESCON channel attachment. d. 4.5MB/SEC Channel Speed IBM, STC, HDS, and Memorex met this requirement. e. Minimum 4MB Internal Buffer STC, HDS, and Memorex met this requirement. IBM states that the 3480's 2MB buffer is more efficient than the competitors 4MB buffer. The two interfaces allow read/write action at the same time. f. AML (Automatic Magazine Loader) or ACL (Automatic Cartridge Loader) for each tape drive supporting manual, automatic, or system operation. IBM & Memorex = automatic cartridge loaders. STC = cartridge scratch loaders (gravity feed) . HDS = automatic magazines loaders. g. Minimum six cartridge capacity for loaders IBM = 6 capacity Memorex = 6 capacity STC = 10 capacity HDS = 8 capacity h. ERP - Enhanced Control Unit Error Recovery Procedures Enhanced control unit error recovery procedures are standard on IBM 3490's. On the IBM 3480 units and vendor compatible units, initial error correction and logging takes place in the control unit. If the control unit error recovery is unsuccessful, host software error recovery may be initiated. 9 ',0139 i. Operator Display Panels readable from a fifteen foot distance IBM, STC, HDS and Memorex display panels can be read from a fifteen foot distance. j . Optional Upgrade to 36-track, bidirectional recording format IBM and STC proposed tape cartridge configurations are upgradable to 36-track. Thirty six track is not available on HDS's quoted equipment. Memorex's does not have 36-track available yet. 2. Describe software tools provided to assist in the planning and implementation of a successful tape cartridge conversion. STC's Pre-installation: Software support to work with systems staff to ensure that operating systems and application packages are at proper levels and to review the SYSGEN information so that the installation is smooth. System Engineers work with systems and application staff members to develop migration strategies best suited to Weld County. This includes the use of STC's software packages to determine the best pattern of migration and provide information on the characteristics of Weld County's individual tape processing requirements. Technical Specialist and Manager will work with Operations staff to develop the hardware installation plan, including delivery plans, security requirements, location of equipment, power and cable ordering, hookup to the Remote Diagnostics Center, as well as a review of test plans and procedures. MEMOREX: Provides several software tools which will assist in the Weld County's conversion from reel to cartridge tape. * identifying inefficient blocksizes on tape * suggestions for tape-resident data sets which could be moved to DASD * Tape data sets which would benefit from compression/compaction * Use of tape drive on an hour by hour basis * Analysis of generation data groups * offsite tape analysis to ensure tapes are their proper location during the conversion. * Analysis of the TMC which will show the progress of the conversion. That is, which data sets currently reside on cartridge and which reside on reel tape. HDS: Through the use of LIDS software tools and existing tape management software, HDS Systems Engineers and HDS Software Systems Engineers can assist in the planning and the execution of the migration and conversion to cartridge tape. HDS SE's will utilize industry standard planning and migration guidelines as documented in IBM Manual GC35-0098 (IBM 3480 Magnetic Tape Subsystem Planning and Migration Guide) . 9?01 e3s IBM: Proposes to set up a planning session with Weld County and IBM to develop an implementation plan for converting tape media and determining which tools should be utilized in the conversion. IBM will assist in planning the conversion as long as Weld County procures any of the IBM tape drives proposed. 3. Describe training on tape media and hardware. STC: Will provide onsite, hands on training on the proposed subsystem. Each operator will be trained until familiar with the operation of the equipment either as a group class, or on a one-on-one basis. A brief presentation on tape media and media handling procedures will be given to Weld County staff by a STC tape specialist. MEMOREX: Will provide care and handling seminars on square and round tape on a biannual basis and will also inspect the tape in our tape manufacturing facility. Training to be conducted at Weld County's facilities. The hardware training will consist of a 1 day period with tape operators for use of the MTC 5480 tape drives and will cover customer P/M and features/use of the tape drive itself. HDS: At the time of hardware installation, the Customer Services Representative will provide instruction for Weld County's operations staff so that the operators completely understand the operation of the HDS 7480 including the loading of cartridges, removal of cartridges, operation of the AML's and reading and interpretation of the operator display panel. IBM: Will provide manuals: Magnetic Tape Subsystem Operator's Guide, Magnetic Tape Subsystem User's Reference and Care and Handling of magnetic Tape Cartridges. The Customer Engineer will also provide an overview session on operation and maintenance. 4. The vendors were requested to provide the following figures for each device type included in the configuration defined in Item #2: a. Electrical and Cooling Requirements b. Floor Space Requirements c. Floor Loading Requirements 920139 DIMENSIONS SERVICE FLOOR MODEL KVA KBTU/hr H x W x D CLEARANCE LOADING STC 4480 1 2390 63.5 X 29 x 32 front: 32" .381b/in rear: 32" STC 4480 .85 2560 63.5 x 29 x 32 front: none .711b/in rear: 32" MTC, 5491 .80 1234 39.5 x 23.6 x 29.5 374 lbs MTC 5480 .98 2423 39.5 x 20.5 x 29.5 201 lbs HDS 7480-A .89 3037 42.0 x 20.5 x 29.5 331 lbs HDS 7480-B .97 3310 47.5 x 20.5 x 29.5 375 lbs IBM 3480-A 2.58 8.81 39.5 x 26.0 x 29.75 front: 36" .4861b/in rear: 36" IBM 3480-B total total 39.5 x 20.0 x 29.75 front: 36" .4861b/in rear: 36" 5. Reliability statistics (mean time between failure) The reliability statistics provided by the vendors was not inclusive. STC provided R+ numbers for Nov. 1991. MTC provided R+ numbers from April through September 1991. HDS provided R+ numbers for the last six months of 1991. IBM does not publish this type of information. 6. FIRST INSTALL NUMBER OF UNITS INSTALLED STC June 1987 18,500 Memorex First Quarter 1988 4,000 HDS September 1987 1,000 IBM First Quarter 1985 Does not publish 920139 7. Performance and Capacity Figure (Product Overview) STC * 18-track, compatible with IBM's 3480's * channel and transport operations are controlled by separate processors. * provides up to 4 megabytes of cache capacity * continuous self-diagnostics, remote diagnostic capability and rear door accessibility for maintenance * feature available to position the unit 30' away from the tape units * can access up to eight cartridge transports * support host data channels at 4.5MB/sec * Improved Cartridge Recording Capability (ICRC) is available (not proposed) * Velocity Option - high speed rewind - 32 seconds * fully digitized, microprocessor-controlled servo compensates for changes in tape tension and tape velocity * 10 cartridge loading capacity * upgradable to Automated Cartridge System MEMOREX * tape position gauge that shows operators when a tape transport will become available * supports up to 8 channels * standard 4.5 Mb/sec data transfer rate * standard 6 capacity auto-cartridge loader * EDRC (IDRC compatible) (proposed - available in 1992) * RS232 interface for remote diagnostics capability * accelerated rewind - 32 seconds * VCR-style loading on manual version * first channel interface on each tape control unit HDS * full industry-standard media and device compatibility * standard 4.5MB sec data transfer rate * 38,000 bpi data recording density * 18 track * 32 sec rewind time * 4MB buffer memory * 8 capacity automatic magazine loader * not upgradable to IDRC or 36 bidirectional recording * data compression - automatically compresses data under control of the operating system, then writes the compressed data to the cartridge. When reading compressed data, the 7480 automatically decompresses the data for transfer to the processor. * large message display conveys operator instructions, host messages, diagnostics, data-compression setting, and job-and-cartridge status * microprocessor-controlled tape transports and fully digitized servo system * High Track Monitor * cartridge tape subsystem design is operator friendly 920139 IBM - 3490 * data recording density is 77,000 or 38,000 bytes per linear inch * 3490E can write only in enhanced mode but can read any 18-track cartridge from a 3480 or 3490 base model * with capacity improvements realized from enhanced capability format and assuming and IDRC ratio of 3:1, a cartridge can store 1.2 gigabytes of data * ESCON is available * one inch characters in moveable message display * automatic cartridge loader is standard on each transport, is integrated into unit and flush with unit * high speed block search * four transport in one unit 8. STC MEMOREX LIDS IBM Location Ft. Collins Loveland Denver Greeley Number of staff 10 20 4 Size of Staff 2 yrs ago 10 25 3 Guaranteed Response Time 2 HRS 2 HRS 3 HRS N/A Average Response Time 45 mins 45 mins 2 HRS Remote Diagnostic Facilities yes yes yes yes 9. The following list of questions were asked of references: * current tape cartridge subsystem configuration * how long has equipment been installed * describe support and technical assistance, before, during and after installation * describe software tools provided to assist in planning and implementation * how long did installation and conversion take * describe installation and conversion problems encountered * describe training on media and hardware that was received * reliability of equipment * would you recommend vendor and hardware STC REFERENCES: State Farm - Duane Farrington & Dale Bindel - (2) 4480M20, (3) 4480M24, (2) 4480M22 with Loaders - equipment installed two years ago - National State Farm provided Regional with a UCCl and JCL conversion plan. Pre-installation planning with STC was excellent. STC software tools were excellent before, during & after installation. - installation was one day, conversion took approx 1.5 yrs. - no installation or conversion problems - group training was received - good - equipment has been very reliable - State Farm highly recommends STC 920139 Boulder County Government - Carol Musser - (1) 4480M20, (2) 4480M22 with Loaders - equipment installed one year - excellent support and technical assistance - no installation or conversion problems. - installation took one day, conversion is not complete - operators received excellent training - equipment is very reliable - highly recommends STC MEMOREX REFERENCES: Arapahoe County Government Lori Brice - Arpahoe County was not provided as a reference - 5490 1x2 - equipment installed two years ago - describes Memorex as a Maytag repairman, they never need him - excellent support and technical assistance - Memorex did not delivery the EDRC was promised two years ago - no install or conversion problems. - install took one day, conversion complete in approx 9 months. - recommends Memorex, not delivering EDRC when promised has been the only problem Jones Information Management - Dan Hayward - 5480 1x2 - equipment installed two years ago - excellent support and technical assistance - no install or conversion problems - install took one day, conversion is 90% complete - equipment is very reliable, operators like it - highly recommends Memorex and 5480's HDS REFERENCES: King Soopers- Joe Massey - 4480 1x2 - installed one year - excellent support and technical assistance throughout process King Soopers used Dyman software for the conversion process. - Maytag repairmen, equipment doesn't break - install completed in one day, conversion is 85% complete - Operators and Management are very satisfied - Highly recommends HDS 920139 Metro State College of Denver - Jay Martin - 4480 1x2 - installed last year: CPU, DASDS & Cartridges - excellent support and technical assistance to date - conversion is 50% complete - no problems during install or conversion - Highly recommends HDS IBM REFERENCES: Colorado Compensation Insurance - Mike Myers - 3480 1x2 - installed two years - excellent support and technical assistance - no install or conversion problems - CCI is now having BASF tape media problems. BASF is addressing the problem - Highly recommends IBM PART 3 Summary and Recommendation: All four vendors were very responsive and informative to Weld County's Request for Information on tape cartridge subsystems. The field trips were very informative as well. HDS has good tape cartridge subsystem. Andrea and I were very impressed with the equipment installed and used at King Soopers. HDS's Technical Support has not proven to be very responsive to Weld County. The most recent example is the quad path install last December. HDS did not verify the ICOP modifications in a timely manner. Memorex proposed IDRC, but it won't be available until later this year. Memorex guaranteed a two hour response time to Weld County Government. I have not observed timely response to problems at Social Services. Memorex references are pleased with their tape cartridge maintenance service. IBM is the leader in tape cartridge technology. Their service and pre-installation procedures are excellent. The residual value on 3490 used equipment remains high. IBM's lowest bid for 3480's was $72,170.00. 920139 I recommend that Weld County Government purchase STC's proposed tape cartridge configuration for the following reasons: * STC's primary business is tape systems. * STC met Weld County's configuration requirements * STC's tape cartridge system is operator friendly * STC provides a team of experts and software support before, during and after the hardware install and tape conversion. * STC's tape cartridge system will position Weld County to take advantage of ICRC, 36 bidirectional recording, and Automated Cartridge Systems in the future. * STC's Total Purchase Cost: $47,000.00, Weld County Budgeted: $47,536.00 * STC's Total Maintenance Cost for one year: $ 20,136.48, Weld County Budgeted: $24,767.00 920139 Hello