Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 3, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet authorised the Executive Director of Resources to undertake a procurement exercise and award a contract for the provision of Microsoft software to an authorised supplier, via an Enterprise Service Agreement, in compliance with the Council’s procurement processes and procurement legislative requirements.   REASONS RESOLVED: 1.     The Microsoft software portfolio, which includes products like Microsoft Server, Microsoft SQL Server (database software), Windows 10 and 11 (desktop software), Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint etc), Microsoft Fabric (Data and Data Analysis), Azure (Cloud computing) and Power Platform, offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to support modern business operation. It is a de facto corporate standard within business and is in very widespread use within Local Government. 2.     It is not feasible or practical to replace the functions that our Microsoft portfolio performs without extremely high cost and disruption (both short and medium-term).   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: ·       Option 1 – Do Nothing By allowing the software licensing to lapse – doing nothing, access to all Microsoft applications would effectively cease. In addition, access to files and data stored in the cloud would also cease with the likelihood that these items would be deleted automatically. This option is not recommended.   ·       Option 2 – Partial implementation This is not a realistic or viable option as having some elements of the Microsoft software portfolio supported will quickly lead to inconsistencies and incompatibilities which would significantly hinder business operations and result in increased expenditure to resolve. This option is not recommended.   ·       Option 3 – Full Implementation This is the option recommended – to enter into a new Enterprise Subscription Agreement that provides support for all the Microsoft software in use within WNC, Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT) and Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH).