21 June 2006

Public sector customers can now save over ten per cent when they procure IT products and services, due to a new government framework agreement.

The new agreement is to be managed by OGCBuying.solutions, the trading arm of the Office of Government Commerce.

Hugh Barrett, chief executive of OGCbuying.solutions, said that the agreement is aimed at significantly reducing the cost of IT products, including software, which are purchased by the public sector.

"We already have a long track record of success in this area and this new framework will deliver even greater savings than before," added Mr Barrett.

Mr Barrett continued that the procurement process was extensive and service providers had to demonstrate exceptional value and capability for the opportunity to supply across government departments.

"The framework has a number of innovative changes designed to make purchasing simple for the public sector customer and give a high degree of assurance that the prices paid from the 'best of breed' suppliers selected are the best in the public sector marketplace," he concluded.

Various government departments and organisations are currently updating their IT solutions, Newcastle City Council recently announced that it expects to save around £37 million by upgrading the infrastructure.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.