CIO

Government extends Microsoft Licensing Agreement for another three years

This agreement is the result of many agencies working together to help define agency requirements and Microsoft responding with an attractive deal for government, says Government Chief Technology Officer, Tim Occleshaw.

The all-of-government Microsoft Licensing Agreement has been extended for another three years, says Government Chief Technology Officer, Tim Occleshaw.

The original contract signed in 2012 is used by 120 agencies and has achieved cost-savings of $119 million, according to a statement released by his office.

Extending the contract with Microsoft shows how the Department of Internal Affairs, as ICT Functional Lead, is continuing to deliver value to government agencies, says Occleshaw.

“This agreement is the result of many agencies working together to help define agency requirements and Microsoft responding with an attractive deal for government,” he says.

“Not only does this agreement provide a great deal for government with price holds and early enrolment discounts, it helps us achieve Government’ ICT strategy by leveraging our collective investment and resources across the system.

“We have negotiated for government as one customer, using a single procurement process for all agencies, and established a mechanism where agencies can transfer some licences to each other as needs change. This all points to great value.”

The Department of Internal Affairs, as ICT Functional Lead, leads the government’s ICT strategy.

“Our vision is to create a single, coherent government ICT ecosystem supporting better public services for New Zealanders. The Microsoft Licensing Agreement is one of 14 ICT Common Capabilities we have developed for government agencies that contribute to this vision,” says Occleshaw.

Send news tips and comments to divina_paredes@idg.co.nz

Follow Divina Paredes on Twitter: @divinap

Follow CIO New Zealand on Twitter:@cio_nz

Sign up for CIO newsletters for regular updates on CIO news, views and events.

Join us on Facebook.