IBM has signed a seven-year contract with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to enhance service delivery and reduce costs by providing services across approximately 60 applications in the department’s business technology estate.
IBM said that by re-using existing assets and utilising its analytics expertise, the company hopes to provide greater insight into the DWP’s data. The company added that it will also facilitate DWP secure sharing of data with other government departments and suppliers while advancing e-government enablement by moving services online.
The contract incorporates development of applications which supports the introduction of Universal Credit, an element of DWP’s welfare reform agenda that simplifies the benefits system. The contract also includes managing DWP’s finance and HR applications which are used by a number of other government departments in accordance with the Cabinet Office Transformational Government Strategy.
Under the agreement, IBM will provide development services to design, build and implement new applications while managing the ongoing maintenance of both new and existing applications. The company may also provide technical consulting support.
IBM UK and Ireland Global Business Services general manager Christine Wyatt said improving efficiency of service delivery and reducing costs are key aspects of DWP’s vision of success and fundamental to the long-term strategic relationship between DWP and IBM.
"Working across some 60 applications IBM is committed to achieving this vision and the development of smarter applications to support the continued transformation of the Department," Wyatt added.
The seven-year agreement was signed on 23 September 2011 with services commencing immediately.
