Cable&Wireless to supply pan-Government intranet framework
The Government looks to be getting more cloudy as it pens a deal with C&W to manage its intranet services.


Cable&Wireless (C&W) has been handed a contract to supply connectivity for a Government intranet to be shared across almost all departments.
The two-year agreement, with an option to extend for a further two years, will form part of the Government's Public Service Network (PSN) designed to improve processes across different parts of the UK administration.
The Government Secure Intranet (GSi) is already live but C&W will bring additional services, including a directory of civil servants, in the coming months.
The move over to the GSi Convergence Framework, which C&W will be supplying, is due to be completed in February 2012.
"Enhanced service levels will be in placed before March and enhanced services, such as the portal directory, will be delivered in late Spring of next year," C&W told IT Pro.
Any Government department that has complied with the Government code of connection and code of practice can connect to the GSi, where they are encouraged to share work or sensitive information with one another.
C&W will manage all of the new services as the Govenrment moves to a more cloud-based approach to IT.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
The vendor will also host an applications resource centre called ARC. Small and medium-sized vendors will be able to offer their wares for shared services for the first time, C&W said.
Earlier this year, a Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) report slammed the Government for blocking out small and medium-sized suppliers in favour of bigger tech players.
"We are delighted to have signed this landmark deal with Cable&Wireless Worldwide," said Kenny Robertson, PSN delivery director.
"For us, this is about creating a secure, inclusive, efficient and cost effective framework that maintains business continuity for GSI customers and converges communications across government to PSN."
C&W declined to say how much the contract was worth.
Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.
He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.
-
The IT industry’s shift to circular, low-carbon solutions
Maximize your hardware investment and reach your sustainability goals with HP’s Renew Solutions
-
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition review
Reviews This thin and light ultraportable will draw you in with its vibrant screen – but it isn't as powerful as some of its competitors
-
Starmer bets big on AI to unlock public sector savings
News AI adoption could be a major boon for the UK and save taxpayers billions, according to prime minister Keir Starmer.
-
UK government targets ‘startup’ mindset in AI funding overhaul
News Public sector AI funding will be overhauled in the UK in a bid to simplify processes and push more projects into development.
-
UK government signs up Anthropic to improve public services
News The UK government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anthropic to explore how the company's Claude AI assistant could be used to improve access to public services.
-
The UK’s AI ambitions face one major hurdle – finding enough home-grown talent
News Research shows UK enterprises are struggling to fill AI roles, raising concerns over the country's ability to meet expectations in the global AI race.
-
US government urged to overhaul outdated technology
News A review from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found legacy technology and outdated IT systems are negatively impacting efficiency.
-
Government urged to improve tech procurement practices
News The National Audit Office highlighted wasted money and a lack of progress on major digital transformation programmes
-
Government says new data bill will free up millions of hours of public sector time
News The UK government is proposing new data laws it says could free up millions of hours of police and NHS time every year and boost the UK economy by £10 billion.
-
Online Safety Act slammed by rights groups as bill gains royal assent
News The Online Safety Act has been described as a veiled attempt to secure access to encrypted messages