Microsoft centre under review

A cloud is hanging over the Microsoft Innovation Centre in Wellington, which has channelled millions of dollars into dozens of cutting-edge public sector information technology projects since it was established in 2003.

The centre was set up to let government agencies use Microsoft software to prototype new IT applications free-of-charge, in conjunction with Microsoft business partners.

Funding for the innovation centre was included in the terms of the three-year G2003 and G2006 licensing agreements, negotiated by the State Service Commission, that gave public sector agencies the right to buy Microsoft software at a discount.

Negotiations for a new pan-government licensing agreement, G2009, broke down earlier this year.

Microsoft New Zealand public sector director Chris Brice says the company remains committed to supporting government agencies that want to explore innovative solutions to business problems and derive the maximum value from Microsoft products.

"We are conducting a review with the Internal Affairs Department to determine the most appropriate way to provide ongoing support in the context of current government priorities."

More than 50 agencies received funding during the period of the G2006 agreement, he says. "Innovation centre and deployment fund projects already under way will continue to be funded until completion. However, applications for new projects will not be sought until the review is completed."

Projects funded by the innovation centre include a trial by Te Papa of handheld computers to provide information on exhibits, and by Statistics New Zealand of technology to let people fill in census forms online.

The police and fire services and district health boards have also used the centre to test the viability of new technologies.

- © Fairfax NZ News