HCLTech signs 10-year deal to modernise Dunedin IT services
The agreement will focus on driving digital transformation within the Council, with an emphasis on upgrading core IT operations, optimising service delivery to local residents and supporting improved community engagement.
Under the arrangement, HCLTech will overhaul several aspects of the Council's IT infrastructure, covering cybersecurity, hybrid cloud, service management, IT asset management and network services. The intention is to strengthen support and scalability, and enhance the security of Council-run digital platforms.
The partnership is structured to provide Council staff with access to modern omnichannel tools, gradually phased-in self-service options, and more responsive onsite IT support. These changes are aimed at helping staff work more efficiently while making digital public services faster and more intuitive for Dunedin's residents.
To further support these goals, HCLTech will apply advanced automation and artificial intelligence platforms to automate routine IT tasks across Council operations. This is expected to reduce service downtime and enable the provision of around-the-clock virtual support for staff and residents engaging with digital channels.
Procurement process
The Council has stated that its choice of partner was the result of a competitive procurement exercise. The DCC General Manager of Corporate Services, Robert West, said: "This partnership supports the Council's five-year IT Strategy and was established through a rigorous procurement process. HCLTech has proven strengths in delivering smart, innovative IT services to the public sector."
This five-year IT Strategy is aimed at ensuring the Council's digital services evolve to match the changing needs of the Dunedin community, increasing accessibility and reliability across all platforms.
Partnership vision
Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand at HCLTech, commented on the new agreement: "We are proud to support Dunedin City Council in setting new standards for public sector innovation. Our shared vision will deliver lasting value to the community."
The partnership will focus on introducing modern service management capabilities, greater automation of IT interactions, and expanded onsite and remote support for Council staff. The Council anticipates that these investments will streamline internal processes and offer residents a wider range of efficient, user-friendly ways to interact with municipal services online.
HCLTech, which reports consolidated annual revenues of USD $13.8 billion, contributes its broad experience serving the public sector to the engagement in Dunedin. The company's portfolio in digital, engineering, cloud, and artificial intelligence services is expected to play a central role in the local government's digital evolution.
The partnership is positioned as an integral part of the Council's current and future IT development strategies, aligning with objectives set out to support local staff and enhance the experience of ratepayers and residents interacting with Council services in Dunedin.
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