MICROSOFT SIGNS ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT WITH MOD TO STREAMLINE IT INFRASTRUCTURE

Added: (Fri Nov 09 2001)

Pressbox (Press Release) - 08.11.01
PR27/Defence

MICROSOFT SIGNS ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT WITH MOD TO STREAMLINE IT INFRASTRUCTURE
- central licensing agreement rationalises IT procurement to meet the needs of
‘Joined-up-Defence’ –

Microsoft has announced that it has signed a central licensing agreement with the MoD, which means it will provide the latest versions of software licenses for core Microsoft products across 120,000 desktops within the MoD. This agreement represents a significant milestone for the MoD, restructuring its purchasing processes to reduce the IT-procurement effort.

Instead of placing many orders a year with Microsoft, the MoD will now place a single order for servers and workstation software. This will not only result in significant savings in administrative effort, but will also help to lay the foundations for a modern IT infrastructure that will ultimately improve communication across the MoD. Leading Microsoft Direct Large Account Reseller, Software Box Ltd, has been appointed Contract Administrator. This contract represents another Government win for the company who has an excellent reputation through a long-standing service to the MoD and the public sector.

MOD's Defence Communication Services Agency spokesman, Lieutenant Commander Susie Thomson, said: “The main driver for this agreement was our recognition that we could seriously reduce the administrative effort of IT procurement and reduce costs. A number of MoD system users have already deployed Microsoft products as the software of choice. What we have done is to streamline our procurement system, reducing the administration effort and thus providing better value for money.”

The contract between the MoD and Microsoft is a three year agreement. At the end of this period, there is an option to extend the agreement for a fourth year. A single annual transaction will replace many thousands of transactions between the MoD and Microsoft in previous years and means that procurement managers within the MoD will no longer need to procure licenses for any of the products covered by the agreement.

This contract will potentially deliver huge benefits to the MoD. As the contract has been placed centrally, administrative effort in ordering licenses will reduce significantly. It also represents the first time ever that users within the MoD will be licensed to use the same version of software, not only reducing support and management overheads, but also ensuring that the MoD can be easily audited for license compliance. As a result, this agreement will enable faster progression towards a ‘joined-up-defence’ as outlined in the government’s Modernising Government strategy.

Jenny Duff, Industry Manager for Public Sector, Microsoft Ltd commented: “The overall objective for the MoD was to dramatically reduce the administrative effort of purchasing Microsoft products. This new agreement delivers on this objective and will reduce costs by reducing administration effort. It also signifies that the MoD is working with established private sector companies to realise the benefits that global organisations and other public sector agencies have already gained through Enterprise Licensing Agreements.”

Microsoft products provided within the agreement include:
· Office Professional XP
· Word 2002; Excel 2002; PowerPoint 2002; Access 2002; Publisher 2002; Outlook 2002 and all new releases of these products as they become available
· Upgrade to Windows 2000 Professional, including Internet Explorer Browser and Windows XP as it is released
· Back Office Client Access License (CAL)
· Windows 2000 CAL; Exchange 2000 CAL; SQL 2000 CAL; SMS (Systems Management Server) CAL; and all new releases of these products as they become available

The Enterprise Agreement does not represent an exclusive contract between Microsoft and the MoD, which means that individual users retain their right to choose their software solutions. Other similar agreements are likely to be announced with additional suppliers in the near future.

Ends

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

About Software Box Ltd
SBL (Software Box Ltd), formerly known as The Software Box, is well known as one of the United Kingdom’s top Value Added Resellers of computer software, hardware and peripherals with an unparalleled reputation in the field of security. Established in 1987 the firm has grown progressively to become the UK’s solution provider of choice.

SBL successfully delivers unique services to the MoD, local and central government. This is due to being CESG (Communications Electronics Security Group) listed through their Adviser Scheme (CLAS) and Approved Product Scheme (CAPS). SBL are ISO9002 registered and recognised as qualified participants in Investors in People.

Commercially SBL’s relationship with Microsoft is well attested as one of its top Licensing Partners.

For further information please contact:

Corrie Williams/Jamie Silbery
ISIS Marketing & Communications
Tel: 020 8422 5500
Fax: 020 8426 4007
Email: corriew@isismarketing.com/jamies@isismarketing.com