Winners announced for £500m university Apple framework

Academia, Stone Group, XMA and Insight make the list

The winners have been announced for a £500m university Apple framework, with Stone Group, Academia, XMA and Insight making the list.

The HE National Apple Equipment & Services Framework Agreement was labelled by resellers as a "game-changing" move earlier this year as they said it was a deviation from Apple's direct approach with universities.

The framework is run by the Higher Education Purchasing Consortium Wales (HEPCW) but universities across the country can purchase through it.

The standstill period ended at noon today and the framework is due to go live on 1 April.

A representative from HEPCW said in a statement sent to CRN: "I can confirm that the standstill period has concluded and all of the bidders have been notified. The offer is subject to the suppliers signing the formal contractual documentation."

The agreement is split into two Lots. Lot 2, the Supply of Computer Equipment Using an Apple Operating System, is for institutional purchases, and comprises Stone Group, Academia, XMA and Insight, a representative of HEPCW confirmed to CRN.

This Lot is for the supply of Apple hardware, associated peripherals and value added services.

Lot 1 is for student purchases of Apple hardware and has been delayed until further notice, CRN understands.

Previously CRN reported that Apple decided against bidding for the framework alongside its resellers.