Education Software
Buying Solutions and Becta announce the launch of a new collaborative deal under which a wide range of software will be available to schools and other educational institutions
The new arrangements come into effect with 12 suppliers on 9 October 2008, and replace the previous successful Becta software licensing framework agreement. They will provide education sector customers with a quick EU-compliant route to procure software in the following categories:
- Operating Systems
- Office Productivity and Database
- Design, Development and Testing Tools
- Network and Security Software
- Utilities, Data Management and Storage
- Enterprise Resource Planning and Management Information Software
Both proprietary and open source options will be available to meet customers' specific needs, and they will also be able to access a range of supporting services including purchasing advice, software sourcing, technical support, training and licence management.
Joan Murray, ICT Software Category Director at Buying Solutions, said:
" We're delighted to have worked closely with our partners at Becta to offer education sector customers a convenient, Value-For-Money vehicle for meeting their software requirements.
Customers will be able to browse the suppliers or issue an Invitation to Quote online by logging on to a dedicated area of the Buying Solutions' website www.buyingsolutions.gov.uk to access all of the information they need for an online procurement."
Dr Stephen Lucey, Executive Director, Strategic Technologies, at Becta said:
"The previous Becta framework proved to be a valuable procurement mechanism for the education sector in delivering cost effective software solutions. Over its three and a half year duration £49.5m of business was transacted yielding £25.9m worth of savings.
We are therefore delighted to see the launch of this Buying Solutions successor framework agreement, the first major procurement project in which Becta has collaborated closely with Buying Solutions. It will ensure that our educational users, including those in the FE and Skills sector, continue to have the opportunity of achieving effective choice and value for money."