RM and Harris Federation team up over new IT strategy worth £26m

The two organisations have signed a contract to refresh all of Harris Federation’s IT infrastructure and devices over the next five years

Education technology solutions supplier RM has won a contract to refresh the Harris Federation's IT infrastructure in a deal worth £26m.

The two organisations have signed a contract to refresh all of Harris Federation's IT infrastructure and devices over the next five years.

Among the main features of the planned works include ensuring cyber resilience and sustainability plans are both supported through a IT lifecycle strategy.

Every academy will also have a full infrastructure refresh, including increasing wireless points and switches as well as cabling.

RM will also replace all devices with a standard design that will allow all teachers and pupils to improve the quality of teaching further.

Jason Tomlinson, managing director of technology for RM, said: "RM is uniquely positioned to underpin Harris Federation's digital transformation along every step of their journey.

"Our ability to not only augment their IT organisation but also provide them with access to best-in-class next generation platform-delivered managed services, automation and our enhanced buying power through our unique partnerships, will give them the leverage they need to achieve their strategy and deliver the positive impact they are looking for. "

The Harris Federation is a multi-academy trust in and around London.

Sir Dan Moynihan, CEO of the Harris Federation, said the partnership enables the federation to keep local infrastructure and service teams in place whilst also "benefiting from RM's expertise in the field as well as its buying power".

He added: "The combination of improved innovation and reliability that is delivered will transform our IT systems and equipment, making a tangible improvement not just to pupils' learning but to our teachers' working lives.

"This programme of works will have a positive impact on learning by delivering modern, reliable systems and equipment to our pupils and staff whilst making significant savings through the kinds of economies of scale possible with a large trust."