Decision details

12.1

The Chief Operating Officer submitted a report seeking approval to commission a new Software Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) Service from an external provider, as outlined in this report.

This report explains the current WAN service and it its importance to the Council and schools.  The report goes on to describe the SDWAN network service and its potential benefits to the Council.

12.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee approves the commissioning of a new Software Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) Service from an external Provider for a period of 5 years with an estimated value of £3.6M, as set out in this report.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

12.3.1

It is recommended that the Council approves the commission of a new SDWAN Network Service.  This will:

• Deliver Savings against current contract.
• Deliver a more robust, efficient and simpler network service.
• Delivering a major project at a minimal cost of change with no dual running cost, transformational, project or upfront costs
• Provide in service performance upgrades to many of the locations with increases in bandwidth at no additional cost.
• Provides flexibility within the contract to account for estate rationalisation to work with the Accommodation review.

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.4.1

Option 1: Do Nothing

This is not an option because the current contract for the services will end on 31st May 2024. As the services are still required, a new contract will be required.

12.4.2

Option 2: Provide SDWAN Network Service in house (in addition to the managed service).

The Council does not have resource or the expertise in house to deliver the services outlined in paragraph 1.2. As such there is a necessity to contract out.