Microsoft and national treasury, through the State IT Agency (Sita), have reached a new deal that government said will result in the “optimisation of Microsoft products and services within all spheres of government”.
This is after the parties initiated a review of existing contracts for Microsoft licences and services to government. The review forms part of a push by finance minister Pravin Gordhan to improve government procurement and save costs.
The office of the chief procurement officer in national treasury has focused on the top 100 suppliers to government, with a view to reaching savings and improving delivery.
“Sita is one of the leading agencies collaborating with the chief procurement officer in … optimising government’s investment in ICT,” national treasury said in a statement.
It said Microsoft is one of the first vendors to collaborate actively with government in finding ways of optimising the state’s spending on technology.
Specifically, the agreement offers special volume pricing to government; allows government departments to get access to some of Microsoft’s top technical skills at reduced rates; and offers flexibility for government agencies to opt for on-premise, hybrid or cloud licensing solutions.
Chief procurement officer Kenneth Brown and Sita CEO Setumo Mohapi said in the statement that agreements with other technology suppliers are being discussed. “Announcements in this regard will be made in collaboration with Sita at an appropriate time,” they said. — © 2016 NewsCentral Media