One-stop shop computer buying plan for schools

A "one-stop shop" enabling schools, colleges and libraries to buy new computer equipment at a fraction of the normal price was announced by the government yesterday under a multi-million pound deal brokered with 12 suppliers.

Schools minister Charles Clarke hailed the scheme as an important step towards giving schools the confidence to invest in essential new technology without worries about reliability and quality and the dangers of "spiralling unanticipated costs".

For a fixed monthly fee, schools and other educational establishments will be able to put together networks linking as few as four and as many as 500 computers, incorporating internet access, operational software and servicing and technical support for an initial three-year contract.

The government has spent two years working on the deal, seeking value for money and guarantees of quality. The approved suppliers include IBM, Bull Information Systems, Research Machines and Comtec.

Mr Clarke said the scheme - NGFL (National Grid For Learning) managed services - would help ensure schools were in a position to handle the massive changes in the use of information and communications technology in the next few years.

"We will not tolerate schools having to pay excessively high prices or having to settle for second best. The future depends on quality and price. A second round of tendering for managed services will begin almost immediately. Now we have successfully established a baseline we want to see more players enter this market."

He said schools would no longer have to make "hand to mouth" decisions about computer equipment, nor would they have to worry about being locked into contracts with a monopoly supplier.

Richard Girling, chief executive of RM (Research Machines) plc, said: "Schools can be confident they are receiving a tried and tested product."

The initiative was welcomed by school head teachers. Chris Thatcher. president of the National Association of Head Teachers, commented: "This is a very good idea and long overdue. The issue of hidden costs is often overlooked by schools, but this will help give them financial peace of mind as well as letting teachers get on with teaching."

Further information can be found at the National Grid for Learning's section on managed services.