DiData signs IT outsourcing deal with Starlight Children's Foundation

Stan Beer
Thursday, 12 April 2007 15:38

IT Industry - Deals

Dimension Data has signed a five-year contract for the provision of managed IT services to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia, the company's first full outsource to the desktop within Australia.

Under the contract, Dimension Data will support 165 staff and 130 desktop computers in five capital city offices, seven Starlight Express Rooms nationally, and remote computing needs for Starlight Express Vans across Australia. The contract includes the provision of service desk, desktop services, server management, network management, managed applications, onsite engineering and service management.

“Previously, we only had three people in IT to manage our technology environment. But this relationship really gives us access to a big bank of forward-thinking people who will help us to deliver enhanced benefits to seriously ill kids. The future of charities is going to depend on their IT capabilities, such as more integrated systems to provide one view of the beneficiary and a reliable network infrastructure,” said Warren Phillips, head of business operations, Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia.

Dimension Data has had a 10-year partnership with Starlight, encompassing a number of commercial and philanthropic activities. Over the last few years, Dimension Data has provided a range of pro-bono services - such as IT strategy, consulting and technical services to Starlight – which have included a comprehensive upgrade of its security infrastructure, and application integration and Web development services.

Jill Weekes, CEO of the Starlight Children’s Foundation said: “Dimension Data’s customer focus and professionalism, the ability to come up with the right solutions and their willingness to always go above and beyond has made our relationship with them a very positive one. Their contribution has been crucial for Starlight in achieving greater efficiencies and improving our IT infrastructure.”

Merle Singer, director of culture and reputation, Dimension Data said the relationship has been a longstanding success because of a strong cultural fit in terms of shared values and Dimension Data’s ability to demonstrate technical excellence.

“While the deal is a commercial arrangement, it is a win-win for both Starlight and Dimension Data whereby services will be delivered at reduced rates to Starlight through a model that works for both organisations,” Singer said.

Dimension Data is a major supporter of Starlight, with ambassadors on their NSW and Victorian advisory boards. Dimension Data is also a founding member of The IT Fund for Kids which benefits both Starlight and Giant Steps (a NSW school for children with autism). The IT Fund for Kids is a national fundraising initiative for seriously ill young people set up by the Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia and  leading companies from the IT industry, including Dimension Data, Microsoft, Intel, KPMG, eBay and Howorth Communications.

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