The Office
for National Statistics (ONS) has signed up IT services firm Xansa
to provide systems and consultancy for its modernisation programme
in a deal thought to be worth £15m.
The ONS is
updating its technology and statistical capability to support the
delivery of a number of initiatives, including the Neighbourhood
Statistics and Citizens Information projects.
Much of the
modernisation work will be underpinned by system upgrades, the aim
of which is to transform ONS into an online business with an
integrated, enterprise-wide IT architecture.
Georgina O’Toole,
an analyst at Ovum Holway, said, “The O'Donnell Review, which
reviewed the future for organisations dealing with tax policy and
administration, advised that Inland Revenue/Customs & Excise
needed to strengthen its links with both the ONS and the Department
of Work and Pensions.
“As a supplier
of both the latter mentioned departments, Xansa will be well placed
to assist with the complex tasks of systems integration and
business process improvement.”