WAN usage was measured by the number of ports hooked up on a monthly basis. Technology changes have resulted in these no longer being distinct services. The new methodology establishes a rate based on devices connected to the statewide data network. One time budget transfers were made by OMB during the FY99 budget process to help negate the effects of the change in methodology. The concept that the state has adopted for rate based services is that rates are based upon costs for providing the service and projected units of usage for the recovery of those costs.
Network services have several items that contribute to cost.
In addition, indirect costs are allocated to network. Since each service must be self-supporting over a period of time, income and losses resulting from prior year operations become a variance for future rate calculations. The network rate methodology establishes a rate based on devices connected to the statewide data network. However, the asynchronous server LAN connection is not included. Excluded are individual PC's that are dialing into a billable connection.