The Softcat News Team
Softcat has secured a place on the new NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) Digital Workplace Solutions procurement framework. Previously known as the Link: IT Solutions Framework, the Digital Workplace Solutions framework allows UK public sector bodies to purchase IT solutions from a select group of pre-approved suppliers at competitive rates. The framework has an estimated value of £500 million and could deliver savings of up to £75 million to the public sector.
The Digital Workplace Solutions framework covers a wide range of solutions, from datacentre, networking, security and larger software solutions, down to bespoke software applications. Softcat’s Strategic Relationship Manager, Andy Bruen, commented, “The breadth of this new framework enables us to provide our public sector clients with all their IT solutions, large and small, in one package. The last iteration of this contract saw significant customer interest in us priming strategic partners on their behalf. A service we’ll be delighted to transition to the new contract.”
The framework allows for Direct Award, enabling customers to go straight to a preferred supplier without the need for a mini competition – simplifying the procurement cycle even further. It also offers a seven-year call-off period, which means customers can benefit from significantly longer contract periods; to realise a return on their solution investments.
Andy Bruen said, “The seven-year call-off period can work to everyone’s favour for larger solutions. Pricing a large enterprise solution over longer periods, gives the vendor a longer period to recoup their investment. So, they’re typically more disposed to larger up-front price discounts. The customer and taxpayer then benefit from more attractive and sustainable pricing.”
This latest win enables Softcat to continue with its strategy of supplying combined software and hardware solutions to address the complex, customer-specific requirements of UK public sector organisations. Awarded CRN Public Sector Reseller of the Year, Softcat is renowned for its expertise and track record of delivering IT infrastructure and services to councils, NHS hospitals, emergency services, schools and local government organisations.