Gartner is a leading research and advisory company on trends in the Information Technology industry. They provide sector-specific research findings that, as an example, allow Hennepin County to benchmark its performance against other comparable government entities. Gartner research findings have been, and continue to be, frequently referenced as part of preparing the business case justification for technology projects and strategic direction statements. This amendment will provide licensing for an additional three years to more than 100 IT staff throughout the county with access to highly relevant and credible research publications and technology consultation services across two Gartner programs:

• Gartner for IT Leaders, which is strategic guidance to lead key initiatives: understand emerging trends, develop IT strategy, build business cases, evaluate vendors, and optimize pricing and contracts.

• Gartner for Technical Professionals, which is how-to guidance to execute projects: technical planning, detailed technology assessments, architecture and design, technical product evaluation and deployment strategy.

This request has been reviewed and approved by the Office of the CIO.