Network deal to accelerate Government’s move to implement cloud computing
Enabling a more mobile workforce to deliver more efficient public services
€5m investment to build initial infrastructure
Thursday, 20th June 2013:  Vodafone Ireland today announced that it has been selected by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to supply a managed high bandwidth fixed data network to Government departments and public sector agencies.  The new network will help accelerate the Government’s implementation of cloud computing to deliver a digital infrastructure that will improve public services and drive a more efficient public sector.

Under the Programme for Government and the Public Service Reform Plan, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has identified that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will be a key enabler of providing better public services.

Vodafone Ireland will build a fibre-based high bandwidth network, which will run at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, to connect Government departments and public sector agencies nationwide.  This will enable data centre consolidation, accelerate the implementation of the Government’s cloud Strategy and provide improved access to a range of new shared services and applications. The Department awarded Vodafone Ireland a drawdown facility to build this network as part of a multi-year process effective immediately.  Vodafone plans to invest €5m to provide this infrastructure over the next three years.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, TD, said, “Cloud computing has the potential to radically change the nature of ICT provision in the public service and significantly reduce costs. It is a key element of the strategic future of ICT in this sector.  As the Minister with responsibility for the delivery of sustainable public expenditure and the necessary reforms in how we deliver public services, I welcome today’s announcement.”

Commenting on the announcement today, recently appointed Government CIO, Bill McCluggage added, “This new high bandwidth network will enable the public sector to realise its vision of improved and more efficient services based on a ‘Cloud First’ approach. The availability of cloud-based capabilities has fundamentally changed the nature of ICT delivery and its provision across the public service. With this high powered network, we will be able to provide a new range of shared resources and software services that will, eventually, be accessible to every public sector employee from a desk or mobile device. It will help us standardise, consolidate and automate the delivery of ICT across the public sector and reduce spend. It is also underpinned by a solid business case that provides compelling value-for-money for the state and taxpayers.”

“We understood what the Department wanted to achieve in terms of its cloud strategy and consolidating all data connectivity,” Anne O’Leary, CEO Vodafone Ireland explained. “Currently Government departments and agencies operate on different systems and use different applications.  By building this connected network, it will be easier for the CIO and his team to simplify ICT provision across the public sector to deliver services that create more efficient working practices across government.”

Vodafone Ireland was awarded the contract following a competitive public procurement process. The company began offering enterprise managed data network solutions almost two years ago and recently established its Enterprise Customer Solutions division following a series of strategic acquisitions to extend its capability in fixed communications.  The division offers complex integrated mobile, fixed and IP-based telecommunications solutions for enterprise from one single provider.

Ends