6 October 2003

Small is beautiful

By Helen Curtis

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is eager to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to increase their share of government and public sector business. The message is being reinforced by big players like Intel, who support a select group of SMEs called the Intel Premier Providers (IPP), to win a bigger slice of the action.

Last year, the OGC and Small Business Service (SBC) published a booklet called Smaller Supplier…Better Value, which praised the benefits of using smaller suppliers. On the launch, Nigel Griffiths, DTI's Minister for Small Business emphasised, "Small businesses can add value in terms of innovation, increased responsiveness, greater flexibility, improved quality and specialist skills."

The benefits seem abundantly clear. But in practice, the majority of ICT sales to central and local government and other departments, such as the police and NHS, are made to large, non-British conglomerates.

Intel decided to make the odds more even for the small guys. "We are keen to provide small and medium-sized business with tools, training and products that can compete with large organisations selling to local and central government departments," says Helen Curtis, Intel Business Development Manager. "They could be missing out on key qualities that SMEs offer," she adds.

There are 35 IPPs throughout the UK and Ireland, each with less than 250 employees. They all boast innovative products and services that can give the majors a run for their money. Companies include: Compusys, Pars, NS Optimum, Evesham, Elonex, Rock, Stone, Centerprise, Hugh Symons, Watford Electronics and Akhter.

Intel works closely with the Premier Providers to address key technology issues, training, validation and strategies for success, such as the Refresh Now program, which highlights the need for regular ICT updating.

Many government departments and most private businesses replaced PCs and software a few years ago, to avoid Y2K problems. However, many now find themselves with need to replace PCs and software because warranties are reaching the end of their support phase. Some departments may not be aware that Windows 95, 98 and NT will be out of support by January 2004. Failure to upgrade will have serious consequences.

"By the time systems lack support, there will be substantial security risks and the total cost of ownership is likely to be much greater than IT departments perceive," says Curtis. Aware of the pending problem, IPP Compusys helped Devon and Cornwall Constabulary upgrade 2,500 desktops. Compusys was awarded the contract because it could respond quickly and enthusiastically, with a high degree of flexibility.

The move towards remote working and a more mobile workforce is also a vital issue. Intel research shows that about 25 per cent of the workforce in both the private and public sector are now involved in remote working. Intel works closely with Premier Providers to highlight the implications of this significant cultural work change. New systems like Intel Centrino Mobile Technology help extend battery life and enhance mobile system performance. The IPPs also address the environment within which people are operating, through the use of wireless hot spots and wireless LAN infrastructures.

Mobility is a key driver in government as well as corporate circles. Studies are underway to introduce wireless working within schools, universities, libraries, hospitals and a range of public places. Initiatives are in hand at various levels, from complex street conurbations to individual buildings. Wireless working also offers interesting opportunities from a government perspective, since many government buildings are old and difficult to cable. "Setting up a wireless infrastructure rather than a fixed LAN is likely be a lot more cost effective," says Jackie Parton, Intel UK and Ireland Marketing Manager.

IPP Akhter addressed this issue at St Bede's School in East Sussex, as existing building and bandwidth restrictions prevented adoption of new technology to improve classroom resources. Akhter has deployed campus-wide wireless access to the Internet and school network, which is revolutionising teaching methods and the learning experience.

Though there are many ICT options to consider, government department don't have to worry about the minutiae of technology. IPP experts can suggest solutions to fit all budgets, with customised solutions, rather than one-size-fits-all boxes that typify larger suppliers.

Premier Provider FMS provided a tailored solution to the Computer Crimes Unit in Northern Ireland to increase the efficiency of analysing PC systems seized from suspected fraudsters or paedophiles. The solution was not only cost effective and scaleable, but also reduced the time required to analyse hard drives from three or four weeks to 15 hours. Ultimately, saving time in convicting or clearing individuals.

Elonex supplied truancy/e-registration technology to Bulmershe School, Wokingham, which gives them immediate notice of student attendance. The system automates many of the administrative follow-up processes required by the DfES if a student is absent from school - and the parent gets an immediate text message!

Gaining value for money comes high on the government's agenda. Smaller organisations can make a marked impact on the bottom line, as they have lower overheads, operate leaner, more competitively and more flexibly.

Centerprise builds PCs to order for the MoD, universities and local authorities. The IPP analyses the tender, acquires necessary components, handles test and validation, then make small runs to order which larger firms may consider non-viable.

Intel ensures that Premier Providers are trained and validated to deliver flexible, innovative and expert service that stands out from the crowd of ICT vendors in the market. "This is not just a matter of delivering innovative technology but also offering commercial innovation," says channel manager Curtis.

Rather than simply leasing models, the Premier Providers promise to deliver flexible business models according to customer needs. For example, some systems may be retained in a bonded warehouse, so the government department can pace payments according to budgets. This level of flexibility and responsiveness helped Elonex win a Housing Corporation outsourcing contract, in competition with multinationals.

It's not just a matter that small is beautiful. "There are thousands of small companies out there, but the Intel Premier Providers can offer products and services with more confidence. Delivering value for money and expertise, with fully validated solutions supported by leading edge technology," says Curtis.

For further information contact:
Helen Curtis
Tel: 01793 403 000
Email: helen.curtis@intel.com

In January 2004 Intel and EDS will be sponsoring WORKING + TOGETHER a key conference on the involvement of SMEs in electronic government and public sector ICT. The conference will be held in London and further details will be released shortly. If you have any queries in the meantime contact eGov monitor on 020 7384 1551 or wt@egovmonitor.com

This article appears courtesy of Intel and the Partnership Media Group (PMG). PMG are organising the e-Government UK event on 12th November 2003, at the QEII Conference Centre in London. For further details see www.egovuk.com or call Arron Browne on 0800 542 9590.

 
Images: DTI and www.freeimages.co.uk