The "state" is completely clueless. You don't spec out technology for 10 years down the road anymore. The pace changes too quickly. You get the most affordable solution NOW, and when you need the big stuff you get something recent with even more longevity. The decision they made was stupid from a thousand angles. Retarded.
Math geeks always see it this way. It's the same for any geek and his favorite subject. What's sad is that he should have studied harder in his English classes.
The cloud isn't quite ready imo. Maybe in a few years, but hey, if you live in a tiny apartment in SF with no car, family, or anything else but a Mac it might work. You 20 somethings.. lol