My Department is highly dependent on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems, some of which have been in place for over 20 years, to deliver its schemes and in particular, its payment services. For example, each week my Department is responsible for some 970,000 payments that, when dependants are included, directly benefit some 1.5 million customers. Each year almost 60 million transactions are processed and issued by my Department.
In order to preserve business continuity and modernise its services, my Department has developed a strategic programme of continuous development for its systems.
During the 2nd half of 2006, my Department intends to purchase a range of hardware and software:
Hardware: Servers, PCs, laptops, computer memory, printers, storage, network switches and routers, voice systems hardware,
Software: PC software, server software, voice system software.
Application software: It is likely that my Department will go to the market for assistance in application development but there are no concrete plans at this stage.
My Department is currently seeking tenders for the supply of network switches and routers and also intends issuing tender requests in the 2nd half of 2006 for Voice systems (Call Centre) hardware and software. My Department is also evaluating tenders for Accounts and HR related software.
Many of the purchases will be made on foot of contracts already awarded following a competitive tendering process. All others will be made in strict accordance with national regulations and guidelines and in accordance with EU directives.