Claranet, the managed services provider, is set to provide networks, hosting and applications to more public sector organisations, including Government departments, Local Authorities, emergency services, health authorities and educational establishments.
OGCbuying.solutions - the executive agency of the Office of Government Commerce in the Treasury that ensures the Public Sector is achieving maximum value for money when procuring services - has accredited Claranet on the Telecom Networks framework agreement. This streamlines Claranet's procurement process, making it easier for public sector bodies to purchase services.
Under the agreement, Claranet will provide Infrastructure and Connectivity and Internet Service Provider (ISP) Services.
The infrastructure and connectivity services provided by Claranet will include broadband infrastructure, multipoint connectivity and bandwidth for both wide and metropolitan area networks, and Claranet's next generation virtual private network (VPN:ng) service. VPN:ng will enable public sector workers in diverse geographical locations to remain connected to their main office securely and reliably.
Claranet will also be providing ISP services including Internet access, transit and routing, broadband and voice packages, home/tele-worker services, email and website hosting services, co-location and hosting, on-line storage, security services, authentication and access management, web and application sign on services and domain name services.
During 2006-7 OGCbuying.solutions' framework agreements and managed services enabled procurements worth £3.7 billion and saved £516 million which was used to provide services directly to the community.
Framework agreements enable public sector bodies to purchase services from approved suppliers, much as they would from a catalogue. This reduces the time and finances spent on procurement. OGCbuying.solutions holds tender competitions that award places on framework agreements to suppliers offering the best value for money. These agreements help the public sector maximise efficiency and value for money when procuring services.
Michel Robert, Managing Director of Claranet said:
Governments are investing unprecedented resources in technology to deliver public services. Consequently Claranet has invested in its public sector portfolio in terms of both service and customer diversity. Since 2003 Claranet has operated a dedicated Public Sector Technology Management team working with health, education, infrastructure and other governmental services.
Claranet provide a wide range of network services - including VPNs, hosting and managed applications - making us experts over a much broader remit than most. Other key Claranet benefits are that we are carrier-neutral and have a proven track record in delivering flexible, tailored services to both the private and public sectors. By being accepted onto the framework agreement, Claranet has been positively evaluated by a Government endorsed body.
Phil Matthews, Networks Category Manager at OGCbuying.solutions said:
Suppliers were awarded framework agreements on the basis of their pricing, quality, capacity and track record. There are many exciting IT projects in the pipeline and Claranet will be able to provide services at a time when there is more focus on Government technology than ever. From not-for-profit public sector bodies to Central Government, all have the chance to benefit from the value for money that the framework agreement offers.
About OGCbuying.solutions
OGCbuying.solutions is the trading arm of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), which is itself an office of HM Treasury.
Launched in April 2001, OGCbuying.solutions provides public sector procurement professionals with a route to the products and services they need to maximise procurement efficiency and value for money. Its contracts and framework agreements offer substantial savings through significant buying power, economies of scale and strategic partnerships. These savings are counted towards the Efficiency Review target. Rigorous tendering and evaluation processes ensure that products and services are checked for quality, price competitiveness, fitness for purpose and compliance with statutory requirements. These products and services are available through OGCbuying.solutions Catalist framework agreements, Managed Services and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).