National Computing Centre plans IT test scheme

Microsoft, Dell and the NCC back a new scheme to help local authorities try out IT systems and share advice

Local authorities are to gain a new way of testing IT systems and sharing knowledge.

The UK's IT managers' networking club, the National Computing Centre (NCC), Microsoft and Dell today announced plans for an IT Proof-of-Concept laboratory at the NCC’s Manchester office. The lab will be run by the NCC for UK local authorities to test systems and share best practices.

Authorities including Cheshire County Council have expressed interest, according to the launch press release.

Three systems are available initially: an information-sharing application used by Telford and Wrekin Council; an e-benefits system at Rotherham Council; and a local government customer relationship management (CRM) system used at Doncaster, Derby and other authorities.

“We all hear about more and more new technologies but what transforms our perceptions of the possibilities is hands-on experience,” said Andy Hopkirk, the NCC’s head of programmes and projects.

Nigel Bates, head of local and regional government, said, “We believe local authorities can save up to 90 percent of their current IT management costs by optimising their infrastructure and managing it more effectively. A primary objective of the laboratory is to help them understand how.”