SCC and Imtech pop up on £3m Scottish networking framework

VARs lead an octet of companies on public sector framework

Eight firms including resellers SCC and Imtech have won a place on a lucrative Scottish public sector framework.

The VARs join Capita, Farrpoint, The Networking People, Deloitte, Hutchinson Networks and PTS Consulting on the Network Enablement Services (NES) deal, which will be worth £3m over its lifetime.

The firms, which were chosen from 12 bidding suppliers, will be charged with supplying the Scottish public sector with a range of networking and telecoms equipment and services including technical architecture and network audits.

The NES forms part of the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN) programme, which aims to deliver a single public services network for use by all public bodies across the country. The initiative aims to save the Scottish public sector cash while maintaining high-quality services, it claims.

In a recently published tender document, the Scottish ministers – who are leading the bid – said the chosen companies' responsibilities will be wide ranging.

"This framework agreement focuses on the provision of vendor-neutral technical network advice, support with network estates and the resulting enablement of these network services," it said.

"It will provide a structured approach for Scottish public sector organisations in terms of assessing current network services, identifying ways to drive better value and ultimately providing what is required to procure and implement new network services.

"It will also provide organisations with support, solutions and recommendations to enable them to develop and improve their network services and support with migration to SWAN for those connecting to that network."