Atos said that it has signed a new five year deal with the BBC to provide technology services. Under this partnership, Atos supports the BBC’s digital transformation and will provide staff with simple to use, tools and systems for programmes and services.
It is the final contract to be procured under the BBC’s Aurora Programme, which has now re-sourced the Corporation’s core technology services. The BBC has now fully moved to a multi-supplier model, which will see services delivered by a combination of third parties and BBC in-house teams.
“The BBC has made significant savings over the past Charter to ensure as much of our money goes straight into the programmes and services people love. With this contract we’re once again cutting the cost of running the BBC so we can continue to fund quality programmes and improve services for audiences,” said Anne Bulford, Deputy Director-General of the BBC.
The new contract covers a range of technology and services staff use in their everyday work, including laptops, phones, business applications, hosting services and a technology helpdesk. It also gives the BBC control and flexibility over its technology choices, enabling the broadcaster to adopt new technology as needed, giving staff the tools they need while continuing to make the organisation more efficient.
The contract follows an exhaustive public procurement process and is for five years, with an option for the BBC to extend for up to a further three. New services will begin going live later this year.
“Today’s deal allows us to improve the way we work, making our systems and tools simpler and more efficient. It completes a major piece of work re-sourcing our core technology services, allowing us to drive the use of IP technology in broadcasting and make the BBC internet-fit,” said Matthew Postgate, Chief Technology and Product Officer at the BBC.
