Computacenter takes over Tplc GCat contract

Computacenter has gazumped Tplc?s contract to supply EDS logistics to the government supplies catalogue (GCat), estimated at about #200 million, placing the services giant?s relationship with ICL at risk.

As revealed in PC Dealer (20 August), Tplc?s multimillion pound contract to supply EDS logistics for GCat was on the brink of collapse after it was given one month?s notice. At the time, Neil Easdon, Tplc general manager, would not comment on any problems.

GCat?s 300 to 400 customers were notified from 8 September that their point of contact for GCat supplies would now be Computacenter.

A Tplc representative told PC Dealer: ?The contract for the helpdesk and orders has gone to Computacenter. Our view at the moment is that we are surprised and disappointed.?

The company has refused to discuss its course of action.

One source claimed that ICL is now looking at its legal position. A leaked statement from the company said: ?The decision was not made with our agreement. The ICL management committee is considering what to do. We expect to reach a decision next week.?

ICL and EDS work together on a number of projects, including mainframe work and work on the London Underground ticketing system.

One source claimed EDS, ICL and GCat were thrashing out a deal which would allow ICL parent Fujitsu?s products on to the CGat category A list, as an appeasement to ICL.