Home » Merrimack Valley
February 06. 2013 11:38PM
MANCHESTER - After two years and much talk of streamlining and modernization, it appears to be back to square one for the city's computer system.
The aldermen on Tuesday voted to sever its current software contract with Innoprise and return to the city's former software vendor, SunGard.
The vote was based on an intensive review by a special steering committee that included City Finance Director Bill Sanders and City Clerk Matt Normand.
The committee recommended the city end the contract with Harris Computer Systems, the parent company of Innoprise, at the end of this fiscal year and enter into a new contract with SunGard.
As for the development of the once-touted integrated software system, that will have to wait, Sanders said.
"The most important thing is that we get a detailed, commonly understood list of requirements in terms of what we're looking for in a new system, that doesn't only include department heads, but the aldermen," he said.
Both the option of continuing with Harris and going back to SunGard will cost more money. The committee estimated that a new contract with SunGard could cost up to $600,000, but would more likely be in the range of $300,000.
Continuing with Harris would cost another $450,000.
The committee described a third option of issuing a new Request for Proposals as too time-consuming and costly at this point.
The city has been paying Harris about $220,000 a year to operate and maintain the current system, according to officials.
Problems with the Innoprise contract began shortly after it was signed two years ago, after the founder of the company, Dennis Harward, was sued by SunGard for using inside knowledge of the HTE software system, which he originally developed. Harward then sold Innoprise to Harris, without consulting with city officials.
Alderman Patrick Arnold, who is running for mayor and has been critical of Mayor Ted Gatsas over the deal, had only one question: Who would be handling the next steps on the software deal?
Sanders said he and Normand would, to Arnold's apparent satisfaction.
The motion to accept the steering committee's recommendation passed unanimously.
City software switch expected to cost $300,000
The aldermen on Tuesday voted to sever its current software contract with Innoprise and return to the city's former software vendor, SunGard.
The vote was based on an intensive review by a special steering committee that included City Finance Director Bill Sanders and City Clerk Matt Normand.
The committee recommended the city end the contract with Harris Computer Systems, the parent company of Innoprise, at the end of this fiscal year and enter into a new contract with SunGard.
As for the development of the once-touted integrated software system, that will have to wait, Sanders said.
"The most important thing is that we get a detailed, commonly understood list of requirements in terms of what we're looking for in a new system, that doesn't only include department heads, but the aldermen," he said.
Both the option of continuing with Harris and going back to SunGard will cost more money. The committee estimated that a new contract with SunGard could cost up to $600,000, but would more likely be in the range of $300,000.
Continuing with Harris would cost another $450,000.
The committee described a third option of issuing a new Request for Proposals as too time-consuming and costly at this point.
The city has been paying Harris about $220,000 a year to operate and maintain the current system, according to officials.
Problems with the Innoprise contract began shortly after it was signed two years ago, after the founder of the company, Dennis Harward, was sued by SunGard for using inside knowledge of the HTE software system, which he originally developed. Harward then sold Innoprise to Harris, without consulting with city officials.
Alderman Patrick Arnold, who is running for mayor and has been critical of Mayor Ted Gatsas over the deal, had only one question: Who would be handling the next steps on the software deal?
Sanders said he and Normand would, to Arnold's apparent satisfaction.
The motion to accept the steering committee's recommendation passed unanimously.
Merrimack Valley » Events
- Hooksett school board members grapple with district’s future - 0
- Windham schools reverse post-Sandy Hook ban on dodgeball, other 'human target' games - 0
- How Rosaly’s garden grew into organic Peterborough farm - 0
- Bedford maintains highest credit rating from Moody’s - 0
- Damn Yankees at Leddy Center July 12-28 - 0
- Dan Brown and Joe Stevens Join Prescott Park Arts Festival's Summer Movie Series - 0
- Loeb School Offers Cartooning for Kids Workshop - 0
- Jim Beauregard's Tasting Notes: Samples from the world of Pinot Noir - 0
- Moose Hunt Lottery Drawing Is Friday, June 21, 2013 - 0
Gas leak forces Hooksett elementary students to be taken to nearby school
READER COMMENTS: 0Press Releases
Richard Thompson Kicks off Summer in Prescott Park
READER COMMENTS: 0Portsmouth, NH - On Sunday June 30th, British folk-rock legend Richard Thompson will take to the FairPoint Communications MainStage and kick off Prescott Park Arts Festival's River House Restaurant...
Perennial Blues Favorite Ronnie Earl Returns to Plymouth
READER COMMENTS: 0Plymouth, NH. At 7:30pm on Saturday, June 22nd The Flying Monkey is excited to bring Ronnie Earl and his band to the Monkey Stage. Ronnie Earl has been hailed by musicians and critics alike as one of...
0
Concert with pianist Lura Johnson and violinist Jonathan Carney in New London