The 10-year IT outsourcing deal was initially agreed upon more than a year ago but its signing was delayed as disagreement over the terms and conditions for the transfer of Swansea IT staff to the private sector dragged on.
Mary Jones, the Council's Cabinet Member for Top.Performance and eGovernment, said, "We expect to save millions of pounds during the 10-year contract which means the programme pays for itself - the people of Swansea will have a modern and efficient council providing better services without any extra cost.
"We are delighted to be leading the drive in Wales to improve council services. I am sure that other councils will look at Swansea and follow our lead."
In the first phase Capgemini UK plc will design and build new world-class IT systems and help introduce more efficient working. In addition to designing and building the new IT systems, Capgemini will also run them on an outsourced basis for the next 10 years, along with the majority of the council's existing IT systems.
The second phase of the programme, which the Council said is expected to roll-out later but did not elaborate further, will transform customer access to services via a new call centre, new face-to-face customer contact centre extended opening hours and state-of-the-art 24x7 Internet services.
Mark Porter, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini UK plc, said, "The Swansea eGovernment programme is widely considered to be a flagship programme of business and technology transformation, and we are thrilled to be confirmed as the Council's partner in this hugely exciting and ambitious venture."
Quelle: Consultant News, 06.01.2006
