The channel looks set to benefit

Attacking the government over its understanding of technology is like attacking the US for its policies, people and idiocy; almost so easy it is no longer fun, and happens so often that it’s almost tedious.

Almost, that is. Last week, the National Audit Office produced a report that didn’t simply whisper that the government is virtually clueless about technology, it screamed it to all and sundry.

The report was based on the public sector disposing of its IT properly. Let us park for a second the fact that this is the same government that a month ago brought in legislation demanding that every single piece of IT be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, yet has not given its own tech disposal a second thought – and concentrate on the findings that are sure to make channel hearts beat faster.

Expenditure on public sector procurement is due to rise from £2.7bn in 2005-2006 to £4.1bn in 2010-2011. And resellers can jump on this gravy train all the way to the bank right now.

The report fully laid out where the public sector is struggling with IT, giving the ingenious reseller the opportunity to provide support services and kit.

Admitting that it doesn’t know how to dispose of its own IT kit leaves a black hole of opportunity for recycling or refurbishment players, adding value in the form of helping the public sector clean the data off its PCs before they are sold on by a third party – which in itself presents another opportunity.

Public sector bodies also have little idea about what they have within their own confines, presenting the perfect cash-cow for asset management VARs – which will then of course be followed up by the need to buy more licences, kit or storage to help future-proof the organisation involved.

The report also recommends that if refurbished kit is sold on, the sector should consider upgrading every three years instead of five. If this is adopted, the channel could be in for a windfall indeed.