The States of Guernsey has chosen digital transformation and cloud specialist Agilisys as the preferred partner to deliver its Future Digital Services programme.
The announcement follows a two-year procurement process with the partnership set to run for 10 years. The value has so far not been disclosed.
Future Digital Services is one of eight reform programmes launched by the States of Guernsey in 2015 and involves delivering a new IT estate to support public services along with supporting the development of the local economy.
Agilisys said it will work with local technology and infrastructure providers to deliver stable and secure IT services and deploy a range of platforms and applications from specialist providers including Microsoft.
Among the priorities already identified by the partners is the development of a digital learning and knowledge sharing platform, and a Guernsey based cloud for system hosting and data storage. The latter could be made available to businesses.
Other steps will include the development of digital skills and understanding for all islanders, a digital apprenticeship pilot with training provider Arch Apprentices, and the provision of a States of Guernsey Economic Development Office within the Scale Space innovation hub at Imperial College London.
Transformation essential
Paul Whitfield, States of Guernsey’s chief executive, said: “Digital transformation is essential if the States is to deliver its strategic goals. At present, the States does not have the capacity or capability to deliver the level of transformation planned or the ability to rapidly access the necessary expertise.
“Agilisys' experience will be critical in facilitating the States’ wider transformation ambitions by providing cutting edge technology solutions and improving States access to resource and expertise. This includes support for the Public Service Reform framework where a savings target of £26 million for the States of Guernsey is set to be achieved by 2021.
“As well as providing modern technological opportunities, the proposed model will also reduce operating costs over the course of the partnership term. Enhancements to day-to-day IT provision will also significantly increase the quality of service provided to internal users and the public as well as generating further efficiencies across the organisation.”
Image: Flag of Guernsey by Nightstallion, from Open Clip Art, CC0