Consilium Technologies has announced the first UK local authority contract for delivering a portfolio of core software applications exclusively via the Application Service Provision (ASP) model.

This ASP model simplifies the entire software deployment lifecycle by hosting all applications and supporting infrastructure in a specialist off-site datacentre accessed by a dial-in facility, leading to reduced costs and simplified IT operations.

Under the £1.5 million strategic IT partner agreement, Consilium will deliver to Northumberland-based Alnwick District Council a combination of TASK Financials, TASK Payroll, SX3 Housing and SX3 Revenues & Benefits. As a result, Alnwick expects to save around 15 per cent on the costs of its current IT facilities over the five-year contract period.

Martin James, Alnwick Head of Finance, says the Council was impressed with Consilium’s partnership approach, from its e-government vision through to the practical delivery of solutions. He added: “Consilium’s focus on working with district councils is clear from its understanding of the challenges facing councils of our size and the cultural fit between our two organisations. Its ability to provide a wide portfolio of market leading software, in a cost effective manner and with minimal hassle, is a very attractive combination."

As well as providing Alnwick with an IT infrastructure for delivering future eGovernment services, Consilium’s solution will enable the Council to exploit new advances in technology without the need for significant investment in infrastructure and IT staff.

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