SSC signs deal with Microsoft

SSC signs all-of-government licensing deal with Microsoft

20 June 2006

The State Services Commission, acting as the lead agency in the G2006 all-of-government licensing negotiations, today signed a syndicated procurement agreement for software with Microsoft.

"This agreement will give a broad range of government agencies the choice to participate in the agreement and will deliver significant savings to government," Mark Prebble, State Services Commissioner, said.

The deal is expected to mean savings of $9 million over the next three years, should current agency purchasing trends continue.

New Zealand government departments that choose to participate in this agreement will be able to receive the discounts, irrespective of the size of their agency, or the number of staff using the software.

"This agreement does not commit any New Zealand government agency to purchase Microsoft products, but it does provide a framework if they decide to,” Mark Prebble said.

The agreement is open to the Public and Non-Public Service departments, Crown Entities, Local Authorities and State Owned Enterprises.

Audit New Zealand monitored the negotiations for process and probity and independent lawyers provided legal oversight.