The all-of-government Microsoft Licensing Agreement has been extended for another three years, says Government Chief Technology Officer, Tim Occleshaw.
Occleshaw says the original contract signed in 2012 is used by 120 agencies and has achieved cost-savings of $119 million with the agreement extension set to continue to provide for agencies over the next three years.
For Occleshaw, extending the contract with Microsoft demonstrates how the Department of Internal Affairs, as ICT Functional Lead, is attempting to deliver better to government agencies.
“This agreement is the result of many agencies working together to help define agency requirements and Microsoft responding with an attractive deal for government,” Occleshaw 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.”
According to Occleshaw, 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,” he adds.
“The Microsoft Licensing Agreement is one of 14 ICT Common Capabilities we have developed for government agencies that contribute to this vision.”