Decision details

Current equipment is End of life with the manufacturer, this means no software patches for increased functionality, critical security fixes, which would make us susceptible to cyber-attacks. It may also be difficult to source spare parts which will result in increased downtime.

New hardware would increase core network speed through which in turn would aid working from home
and any agile working initiatives.

Purchase replacement Core switches – 2x 9606
These switches are to replace the existing end of life equipment, with increased throughput and port bandwidth, this solution has been sized for future growth.

Following soft market testing the cost for the replacement Core switches is £123,184.23. This will be drawn down from capital Q2567 Essential Technology. This will be procured through the Network Services 2 Framework via Crown Commercial Services and directly awarded to Virgin Media.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED
Option 1 – Do nothing
Do nothing is not recommended. leaving the current switches in situ would put us at risk for security
vulnerabilities as the vender no longer produces security patches for any future exploits found. We
would also have no access to new functionality and the hardware would limit any future expansion.
Option 2 – Purchase 2x 9407 Switches
This option was rejected, although we will have software and critical security fixes, these switches would
be on par to our current setup but would limit any future growth.

Option 3 – Purchase 4x 9500 Switches
This option was rejected, although we will have software and critical security fixes, these switches would
be on par to our current setup and further switches would have to be purchased for further growth.