Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 10, 2024

Purpose: Request Executive approval to procure a unified Wide Area Network (WAN) and Internet connectivity across North Northants properties and replace the 4 existing infrastructures which are coming to their end of life, with Software Defined (SD)-WAN for North Northamptonshire

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a.      Approved the proposal to rejoin the Eastnet Partnership framework to implement a new unified Wide Area Network and Internet connectivity solution for North Northamptonshire.   b.      Delegated authority to the Chief Information Officer in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Transformation to take any further decisions and actions required to conclude the re-joining of the Eastnet Partnership and implementation of the new inter-site and Internet connectivity.     Reasons for Recommendations:   ·        The primary strategic goal is to unify the Council's disparate networks into a single, efficiently managed IT infrastructure. By consolidating WAN connectivity, internet services, and network hardware under a unified network architecture, the Council aims to achieve cost savings, streamlined network management, improve the reliability, speed, and security of internet connectivity. This unification will eliminate the complexities associated with managing multiple suppliers and contracts, aligning with the organisation's commitment to operational excellence. ·        Cost Optimisation: By standardising network services and equipment across all Council sites, the organisation anticipates reduced procurement costs, streamlined maintenance, and simplified vendor management. This goal aligns with the Council's commitment to financial prudence and the efficient allocation of resources. ·        To enable the Council to deliver the One Council vision. ·        Provides extensive revenue cost savings as the partnership creates economies of scale that North Northamptonshire Council could not achieve as a single entity ·        Enhanced Security and compliance: By consolidating network infrastructure and standardising security measures, the Council aims to enhance data protection, mitigate security risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. This goal reflects the Council’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining a robust security posture. ·        Improved Operational Agility through network unification: The Council seeks to streamline processes, simplify technical support, and enable faster response times to network-related issues. This strategic objective aligns with the Council’s drive for operational excellence, efficiency, and adaptability. ·        The ability to provide a consistent colleague experience wherever they are working.   Alternative Options Considered – All the current network and internet infrastructure across North Northamptonshire are separate, with a number of different suppliers. This causes a number of issues with ICT being able to create efficient processes and a good experience for staff and residents. The current inter-site and internet infrastructure is also approaching end-of-life and unscalable in the majority of legacy areas.  Of the options, the preferred solution would be an extension of an existing multi-authority partnership, provided under one agreement with a single vendor which will improve on existing solutions in these ways:  a)      Support the One Council objectives and provide the foundation needed to help deliver the Council’s technology strategy. b)      Provide a single enhanced colleague experience for remote access. c)      Be efficient to procure, support and manage. d)      Deliver revenue budget savings and contractual benefits. e)      Will be built on a scalable, flexible and secure technical platform which will simultaneously align us technically with West Northamptonshire Council, allowing North Northamptonshire Council to quickly move into a position that better supports the process of disaggregation.