Obviously, this isn't an easy problem to fix, but a number of states and provinces have undertaken a similar exercise. A business-case approach must be adopted when setting up new systems and infrastructure. Our mandate is of course limited to infrastructure, meaning what already exists as far as data centres and networking go.
A natural replacement occurs within those data centres, as far as servers and storage capability are concerned. Under that natural transition, servers are expected to last four to five years before they need to be replaced. Instead of each department replacing those servers one at a time—with all the duplication that would entail in terms of the processes, resources and foundations needed to maintain those systems—we are going to establish horizontal systems and business-based approaches across government. We will provide a new type of service, one that is even more reliable and much more secure, while allowing for savings throughout the replacement process.
A number of years down the road, what we will end up with is digital infrastructure that has been modernized and renewed replacing what currently exists. It is under way.