NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) has launched a new £500m Digital Workplace Solutions Framework for NHS and wider public sector.
The framework initially includes 28 suppliers and is to run until August 2022, with the potential to extend for a further two years. The framework has an estimated value of £500m, and hopes to generate 15% savings compared to purchasing directly.
The aim is to support healthcare organisations purchase cost effective IT services and infrastructure at a lower cost of acquisition.It replaces the IT Solutions Framework, which is set to close in September.
The agreement is free-to-access and includes everything from servers, storage, networking, security and data centre infrastructure, to end user computing devices, desktop operating systems, enterprise software and professional services.
Phil Davies, Director of Procurement at NHS SBS, said: “This new framework has been developed to build on the success of our previous IT Solutions agreement, which was very well used by the NHS and wider public sector.”
“It provides ease and peace of mind for organisations looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to meet their software and IT needs.”
“As remote working has become commonplace due to COVID-19, the launch of the Digital Workplace Solutions Framework means public sector organisations can access technologies like VPN remote access and virtual desktops, which can be needed to mobilise home working securely and effectively.”
“The framework has been carefully-negotiated to ensure it covers the widest range of infrastructure, hardware and software, whilst saving valuable time and resource for NHS and other public sector organisations.”
The new Digital Workplace Solutions framework is part of a growing portfolio of digital and IT agreements managed by NHS SBS, including Hardware, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security Services, IT Consultancy and Healthcare Clinical Information Systems.
For more information visit www.sbs.nhs.uk/fas-digital-workplace-solutions
