FCO to slash IT costs by up to 40 per cent

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has unveiled plans to cut its IT costs by 30 to 40 per cent.

In its latest IT strategy report, the FCO states that the department will deploy new systems and replace contracts by 2015 in order to create efficiencies.

The report also indicates that the FCO will reduce the carbon footprint of its IT functions by at least 25 per cent in the same period.

The reduction in cost will be achieved through the FCO's £82m telephony Echo programme, which will see extensive delivery of video conferencing.

The department's core IT platform, Firecrest, and its ERP system, Prism, will also have their delivery and support contracts replaced. These replacements will be finalised by 2012.

The FCO will be providing alternatives to email by deploying instant messaging, Sharepoint applications and other collaborative tools.

"This strategy is focused on delivering as much benefit as possible from our existing ICT estate, reducing our carbon footprint, and driving down the cost of services," states the report.

"This will enable FCO frontline staff to do their jobs more efficiently and allow us to invest more in the FCO's core business."