Unisys takes over regional Defence ICT

James Riley
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 10:51

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Unisys has taken over day-to-day regional ICT support services for Defence after an 18 months transition as part of a $240 million contract that looks prototypical of more ambitious strategic plans for Defence ICT support.

The restructured Defence ICT support services plan was developed and implemented under Chief Information Officer Greg Farr and aimed to address service delivery issues, particularly around ICT skills and manpower issues.

"Defence Regional ICT Support services in 12 regions are covering over 100,000 desktop computers at 460 Defence bases and sites are now managed by Unisys Australia," Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support Mike Kelly said.

The contracts' commissioning was announced just as Defence Minister John Faulkner outlined the released the 2009 Defence ICT Strategy, a blueprint that flags the philosophic shifts in the department on technology service programs.

Having taken control of the regional ICT support services, Unisys is now a strategic partner of Defence and its Chief Information Officer Group.

"Close cooperation between Defence and Unisys meant the transition was carried out with minimal disruption to services and service levels, and against a background of significant Defence operational tempo," Dr Kelly said.

Mr Farr said the decision to outsource regional ICT support had improved service delivery and resulted in a 45 per cent reduction in the number of outstanding jobs.

"I am confident significantly more benefits will flow through as we work with Unisys," Mr Farr said.

Under the contract, Unisys provides network security and infrastructure support, as well as server and desktop support to all areas within Defence utilising the Restricted and Secret networks, and some 350 stand-alone IT systems.
 
Senator Faulkner said the new Defence ICT Strategy was consistent with the recommendations Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner’s Gershon Review of the Commonwealth's technology needs and procurement.

"The Defence ICT Strategy will strengthen the relationship between Defence’s strategic objectives and enabling ICT capabilities," Senator Faulkner said.