The States have signed a new IT contract – this time with Guernsey-based C5 Alliance.
Since the contract with Agilisys for all States IT services was severed, the States has instead been looking at a ‘multi-vendor model’ with different businesses meeting different needs.
C5 Alliance is the first to sign a contract – with a two year deal agreed, with effect from August. That could be extended for another two years if all goes well.
Its staff will run the States’ IT helpdesk, which itself is a support centre for States staff struggling with technology-related issues.
This alone has a budget of about £750,000 per year.
Gé Drossaert, States Chief Digital and Information Officer said further contract agreements will be announced later on.
“This is an excellent first step as we move towards our new multi-vendor model for the delivery of IT services,” he said.
“I am particularly pleased that we have been able to appoint an on-island provider who invests in Guernsey, and believe this represents value for money. I am confident that C5 are dedicated to deliver a first-class service and form an integral part of our new model. We have a clear service level agreement as part of the contract that provides confidence and guarantees accountability. The main driver with any change is a tangible improvement, one that is felt by our staff who rely on the IT helpdesk. We aim to keep on improving.”
Chris Ash, Managing Director for C5 in Guernsey, said he and his team are keen to get going when their contract starts on 1 August.
“We’re obviously delighted to have been appointed by the States of Guernsey to play our part in the multi-vendor model. It’s a strong endorsement of our capability to support enterprise level clients with our managed services. It’s a big step forward for our Guernsey business and supports our plan for ongoing local growth and future investment.”