Google App Engine Platform on Ulitzer

The city of Los Angeles has okayed a $7.2 million deal with CSC to rip out a lot of its existing Novell GroupWise e-mail systems and whatnot and replace it with Google Apps provided CSC agrees to pay a pre-set penalty if there's a security breach. They still need to dicker about that according to the AP.

The city pushed off the decision when the cloud started having a string of problems and the cops and the City Attorney's Office are worried about data security.

The councilman who introduced the penalty amendment is quoted as saying, "It's unclear to me whether we're on the cutting edge or if we're on the edge of a cliff about to step off."

Novell offered free upgrades but couldn't save the deal. Microsoft and others tried for the contract too. Failure to win it is seen as a black eye for Microsoft and showcase site for Google. LA says it's sticking with Office.

The switch to Google Apps is supposed to save the city about $5 million in service costs over five years. The District of Columbia is also making the migratory trek.