Introduction of solid ICT framework provides foundation for Council's wider transformational agenda.

Service Birmingham is our joint venture with Birmingham City Council, Europe’s largest local
authority, established in April 2006 to provide the Council’s information and communications
technology (ICT) services. Substantial investment and innovation have created an all-new platform that underpins the Council’s ambitious business transformation programme.

To date we’ve invested £48.4m in a combination of staff training, network upgrades, server replacements, hardware and software – and we continue to drive efficiency through innovation.

We’ve created a centralised, state of the art server environment that’s far more reliable than
its predecessor and easier to back up, support andmanage.We’ve introduced a world-class
network provider, so the network is now more secure, more stable and capable of further expansion whenever necessary. We’ve also created a Technical Design Unit (TDU) to develop new IT frameworks and provide strategic vision for future projects.
 
“The TDU develops our technology roadmap and ensures that any new applications and infrastructure are future proofed in the technology marketplace,” explains Danny Reeves (left), ICT & Operations Director, Service Birmingham. “A good example of this is our use of IBMP series server infrastructure which employs technologies that reduce space requirement, reduce power consumption and support fully virtualised environments.

“Some of the investments we’ve made are already realising savings for the Council,” he continues. “The improved communications infrastructure has saved £350,000 each year and network management costs have fallen by 40% a year. We’re also exceeding our target of 99.9% network availability.”

In 2008 Service Birmingham was officially recognised as a world-class ICT company when we attained ISO 20000 accreditation, becoming 1 of only 3 local authorities to achieve this accolade. In addition to this international endorsement, our Customer Competency Centre has also been certified by SAP.

Stephen Hughes, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council adds

“This solid ICT framework provides the essential foundation for the Council’s wider transformational agenda. We aim to implement a step change in the way we deliver services to the citizens of Birmingham, and effective and stable ICT is key to achieving our goals.”