British Columbia has signed a 10-year, Can$300 million outsourcing agreement with IBM that the government says will enhance the province's IT operations and services.
Announcing the deal, a B.C. Ministry of Management Services release calls it "one of several key projectsb &(that) uses the private sector to transform and improve government's service delivery when it makes business sense to do so."
It says the province will realize financial benefits in the range of $80 million over the life of the contract.
According to the ministry release, IBM Canada -- as the government's new provider of corporate IT services -- will:
* Provide the up-to-date, standardized technology and tools that enable staff to get work done efficiently;
* Ensure consistent, timely renewal of desktop hardware and software. All employees will receive new workstations within the first two years and approximately every three years thereafter;
* Provide a single point of contact for helpdesk support, which will manage all workstation incidents on a 24/7 basis;
* Improve service reporting with clearer, more consistent agreements for ministries. B7 Ensure better support, including online tools for remote diagnosis, problem correction and tutorials for optional self-service; and,
* Enlarge the scope of services immediately, while reducing overall government costs over the long term. Standardized computer technology and better technical support are two significant benefits B.C. will receive from the contract with IBM Canada, according to Management Services Minister Joyce Murray.
"This project is about better service for British Columbians. It will keep government's computer operations up-to-date and running in a smooth, businesslike manner," Murray said.
Existing provincial government staff whose jobs have been impacted by the deal have been offered employment with ISM Canada.
These employees, says a B.C. government release, "will have a wider range of career development opportunities with the new companyb &and will receive comparable compensation and benefits to those currently offered by the government."
IBM Canada says its IT solution for the province is designed to provide faster, standardized helpdesk and IT services support and generate savings from cost-effective, managed desktop operations.
Over the past several years, the B.C. government has outsourced mainframe support services to IBM. In some cases, contractors have also supplied workstation support. Under the new contract, IBM Canada, supported by a subsidiary ISM Canada, will deliver IT support services, including hardware supply, installation, maintenance and replacement, helpdesk and on-site support, and desktop software and hardware management.
Two B.C.-based subcontractors, Tecnet and Microserve, will provide field support and asset management as part of the agreement. All service providers will adhere to B.C. statutes and regulations related to the protection of privacy and personal information.
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