Qld signs Microsoft support for $8m

Queensland Government has signed a three year, $8 million software support agreement with Microsoft Australia.

Robert Schwarten, Queensland Government public works minister, said the agreement would give that state government access to Microsoft Premier Support Services. Microsoft staff would also provide technical advice and operational support.

The deal was the first of its kind in Australia, he said in a statement.

"By using the Microsoft Premier Support Service we will benefit from better risk management and quicker resolution of problems," Schwarten said. "This in turn will maximise the Government's IT productivity."

Also, the new arrangement would help government IT staff develop skills through workshops, information services and technical subscriptions, he added. 

Kevin Ackhurst, public sector business director at Microsoft Australia, said the new Queensland Government deal built upon a broader enterprise agreement around IT services.

"Microsoft aims to help the Queensland Government realise financial savings through a reduced total cost of ownership of its ICT infrastructure," he said in a statement.

The software giant would audit state agencies' IT infrastructure and then build a customised guidance and workshop program, Ackhurst said.

Schwarten said the deal reflected moves by the Queensland Government announced in last month's Smart Directions Statement for ICT.

"A major focus of this statement is the effective use of strategic ICT assets to enable improved accessibility of government information and services," Schwarten said.