L.A. Expected to Decide on Google E-Mail Contract Today

According to The Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles City Council is expected to decide today whether to hand over control of its massive e-mail system to Google.

The $7.25 million contract would allow the city to avoid the cost and hassle of running its own e-mail system. Google also stands to benefit, as adding a city like Los Angeles to its roster would help attract larger government and corporate clients.

However, questions about security and reliability issues have been slowing the process of moving the contract through the council.  John M. Simpson, consumer advocate for Consumer Watchdog, puts it this way in the Los Angeles Daily News:

Google is attempting to reassure would-be purchasers of its services that there is nothing to worry about, while warning investors of everything that can go wrong so as to limit potential liability. Google wants to have it both ways. Maybe such hypocrisy is the norm in the world of corporate giants ... However, L.A. City Council members should demand a higher standard of candor before they commit to Google's e-mail system.

Writing the "pro" side in the Daily News' 'pro and con' series,  is city council member Tony Cardenas:

The city of Los Angeles must invest in a system that will allow us to respond efficiently to our constituents' needs with confidence and reliability when they need us most - in times of emergency and uncertainty. In a time of crisis, can we really put a price tag on dependable communication and technology?