Computerworld

Unisys to hire staff to service contract with Inland Revenue

Previously, Unisys had provided mainframe services but as a sub-contactor to Hewlett-Packard. Country manager of Unisys Steve Griffin says the new six-year deal is a direct contract.

Unisys will hire additional staff to service a contract with Inland Revenue for the provision of mainframe services, says country manager Steve Griffin.

Previously, Unisys had provided mainframe services but as a sub-contactor to Hewlett-Packard. Griffin says the new six-year deal is a direct contract.

“We won it in a competitive tender,” he says. “We will have additional headcount but I can’t say how many just now.

“The service is a utility model, which means Inland Revenue doesn’t have to invest in infrastructure.”

IRD chief technology officer Myles Ward says the new contract ensures that mainframe support services will continue in support of the department delivering its tax and social policy obligations.

“A well-functioning mainframe is essential to support the ongoing the collection of revenue and disbursement of social policy payments,” he says.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost of the contract, citing commercial confidentiality but says Inland Revenue is funding the project, and no new additional money from Government has been sought.

“The re-tendering for mainframe services was a sensible option and any decisions regarding long-term mainframe replacement options will be undertaken as part of our transformation programme.”

The new contract is scheduled to commence in 2014 but Griffin says the transition process will begin immediately.

“We will go live prior to the peak tax season, early to mid next year.”