Stan Beer
Monday, 22 May 2006 20:24
IT People -
Training
Australian PC supplier, Optima Technology Solutions (ASX:OPI), has been selected as the exclusive supplier of hardware and services to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Department of Education and Training.
In a contract potentially worth $15 million over the next four years,
Optima has been contracted to supply the ACT Department of Education
and Training with PCs, notebooks and nominated peripherals for 3,500
full-time teaching staff and 95 primary and secondary schools and
colleges.
Up to $8 million worth of equipment will be supplied by Optima for the
Computers for Teaching program. In addition, up to a further $7 million
may be spent on supplying schools with computer hardware over the
four-year contract. Optima will also provide comprehensive
installation, rubbish removal and support services.
Optima secured the contract following a request for tender issued in December 2005.
This contract will have a significant impact on Optima’s opportunities
in the ACT market,” said Leonie Visser, National Education Manager,
Optima. “Optima Technology Solutions is now one of the most prominent
suppliers of computer hardware and support services to the education
sector, and currently holds contracts in Victoria, New South Wales,
Queensland, the Northern Territory and ACT.”
Project management services are already underway, with the delivery of computer systems to commence shortly.
To support the four-year contract, Optima will open a satellite office
in Canberra. Optima has already begun planning for this expansion, with
advertisements for local staff due to appear over the coming weeks.
The units selected for supply will be customised during the
manufacturing process to meet the specific requirements of teachers and
students.