New server purchased

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Desmond Devoy

EMC News - Hoping to stave off The Great Server Crash of '12, the Town of Carleton Place will be investing $17,155 to upgrade its server.

Town treasurer Phil Hogan told the corporate services committee on Dec. 20 that the town's Unix server, the town's main financial computer, has not been performing up to standard by not being reliable in performing back-ups and failing at least once a week. The server had been installed in 2006, and while it was not due to be replaced until 2013, the failures prompted Hogan to think twice about the replacement date.

"The software is the big cost item in any system and if you were to change software, it would cost you $200,000," said Hogan. "They all have a limited life cycle."

The computer performs functions as organizing tax billings.

"I really don't relish it going down and I don't think it will, but I think it is prudent to be prepared," said Hogan.

"I am sure that the treasurer has lost some sleep about losing all of this financial information," said Coun. Louis Antonakos.

Coun. Jerry Flynn, who, with the rest of council, agreed to Hogan's request, said that "if he (Hogan) is willing to spend money on it," then it must certainly be a good idea.