When Tony Blair announced his plans for egovernment in 2000, he initiated a complete change in the way IT is used in the public sector. Since then, local authorities, central departments, and agencies across the UK have been reviewing their IT infrastructures and, as a result, making a range of new technology purchases to underpin the online services that will turn Blair’s vision into a reality.

Purchasing such a wide range of technology in a short space of time is a massive challenge for the public sector. Faced with multiple contracts from multiple vendors, many organisations are turning to IT service companies that have the expertise and industry knowledge to deliver the integrated, multi-vendor infrastructure required for an Internet operation.

Ordnance Survey opted for just such an approach, and for the last three years has been sourcing its IT systems, and some related services, from Computacenter.

Ordnance Survey is probably best known for its comprehensive range of leisure maps - 10 million of which are printed every year. Yet as the UK’s main mapping agency, its remit covers much more than just walking and road maps. It also produces a wide range of large-scale maps and digital products that are used by a range of business and public sector services – from supermarkets and fast food chains to environmental charities and the emergency services.

These digital products now account for around 80% of Ordnance Survey’s turnover - but it’s not just the agency’s turnover that is affected. Independent estimates show that Ordnance Survey data now underpins up to £136 billion worth of economic activity in Britain every year.

The digitisation of the agency’s data was made possible by the increasing use of technology, which has transformed the map-making process. Despite this increased reliance on technology, Ordnance Survey was only spending a relatively small amount on IT systems, as Trevor Saberton, Procurement Team Leader at the agency, explains: “Up until the late nineties, we were purchasing around £30,000 worth of IT systems each year. The purchasing was done through a range of companies and it was quite a time-consuming process.”
When Whitehall announced its plans for egovernment, the agency’s IT budget and procurement needs soared dramatically. “In 2001 we invested a record £9.5 million in IT, primarily to underpin the provision of web-enabled services,” adds Trevor.

Computacenter has simplified our IT purchasing process, and has provided true added value,” he continues. “Its staff offer advice on different technology options available, and if we get a request for something unusual, we know we can rely on Computacenter to track down an appropriate vendor and solution. Computacenter is extremely responsive and is prepared to go that extra mile for its customers.”
In some instances, Computacenter will also manage tenders for specialist technology, as Trevor explains: “As Computacenter understands our business so well and is completely compliant with EU procurement guidelines, it is often more efficient and cost-effective to outsource tender management. We supply Computacenter with the technical specification, and it will take responsibility for sourcing the relevant bids. This approach has helped to dramatically reduce the administration burden facing the agency’s procurement department.” Computacenter’s ongoing management of contracts with various IT suppliers, such as Oracle, Plumtree and Compaq, has also helped free up internal Ordnance Survey resources.
Investing for the future

A large proportion of last year’s IT investment was earmarked for the infrastructure that would underpin the agency’s main web application OS MasterMap, which went live in November 2001. “OS MasterMap is a range of online digital data-sets that enables our customers to work with our data to improve their business activities,” comments Terry Knapton, Operations Manager for Ordnance Survey. “During 2002 we will be providing additional layers, for example, we have just launched our address product that allows companies to exchange information that links to land registry and other databases. Later in the year we will be launching other services, including aerial photography and integrated transport information, which is used by in-car navigation systems.”
To ensure customer orders are processed and fulfilled efficiently, OS MasterMap requires a comprehensive server infrastructure. “There are around 15 servers for the production environment, then we have another 15 servers for development and testing work,” comments Terry. “We opted for a Sun Microsystems environment as it is scalable and reliable, and can meet our future needs. The servers, which range from E250s to F3800s, were supplied by Computacenter, which is the agency’s main IT supplier.

Taking the pain out of procurement

As well as providing the new Sun servers, Computacenter has sourced desktops, printers, laptops and software for Ordnance Survey and its 2,000 plus users. Jill Watling, Desktop Manager for the Ordnance Survey, comments: “I have worked with Computacenter at a range of companies, and it was a real comfort when I joined to find that they were also a key supplier for the Ordnance Survey. Computacenter has consistent service levels and provides extra value in numerous ways, including helping us develop partnerships with a range of vendors and providing us with additional, expert resources.”
During the agency’s latest laptop and desktop evaluation, Computacenter assisted in the decision-making process, as David Lipsey, IS Services and Infrastructure Manager, explains: “Although I inherited the Computacenter relationship, when I joined six months ago, I was interested to see how they were doing, as I had heard of them in previous roles. Certainly it is re-assuring to be working with the biggest player in their field, not only because they have the best, and largest resources, they also deliver the quality of service that comes from the experience of working with a wide cross-section of customers across multiple vendors and technologies.
“ When we undertook the desktop evaluation, Computacenter worked closely with us throughout the process, “he continues. “They started by offering us a comprehensive list of options, which we narrowed down between us. Then they supplied loan equipment to ensure we made the right purchasing choice.” That choice was Compaq desktops and Toshiba laptops, both of which are covered by comprehensive support from Computacenter.

A foundation for the future

Thanks to Computacenter’s success with IT systems supply and installation, the agency is now also taking advantage of the company’s extensive service portfolio. Computacenter’s expertise has already been called on for an audit of the agency’s server room, Computacenter will be migrating 50 mission-critical Sun and Compaq servers to a consolidated rack environment. Technical consultants are also assisting with the plans for the migration of the agency’s Corporate Editor internal solution, which enables surveyors to make changes to digital maps, to a new platform.
“ We are now in a situation where we can draw on Computacenter’s technical consultants as and when they are required,” comments Terry. “Ordnance Survey’s relationship with Computacenter is certainly expanding as it becomes more involved in the business and its IT provision.”

 

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