UXC Wins Major Government Contract
$5.9 million contract to deploy technology system globally for Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - 16 April 2007
Australian technology services company, UXC Limited (ASX:UXC) today announced it has secured a major new project for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The project is worth in excess of $5.9 million and involves the development and deployment of a new Consular Assistance Information System (CAIS) in Canberra and to more than 130 Australian overseas embassies and consular posts around the world.
The CAIS solution is part a major redevelopment of the DFAT’s consular business systems. The initiative aims to accelerate the department’s ability to locate and assist Australians involved in a crisis abroad and meet an increasing demand for consular service as a result of the changing global geopolitical environment.
When fully deployed the system will enable greater assistance to be rendered to Australian travellers and Australians overseas through:
- Online registration of Australian nationals travelling overseas (via the web)
- The issue of DFAT travel advices and bulletins via a range of mediums
- Enhanced Case and Crisis management
- Increased knowledge management capability to support consular staff
- Increased information analysis and reporting and data exchange with a range of Australian and international systems.
The solution will also provide a central coordination cross agency hub (portal) for all activities related to management of international crises and a central knowledge base for all documents relevant to DFAT embassies and consular posts. The solution will be used in Australian embassies and consular posts worldwide, and will be able to be used by consular staff who are working remote from their embassy or consular post.
The new bespoke system will replace and enhance an existing solution with a contemporary service-oriented architecture design, which will be developed using a Microsoft suite of technologies including .NET 3, BizTalk, SharePoint and SQL Server Replication Services.
“UXC has a unique position. As a business, we have deep expertise across systems development, content and document management and project management. We were able to develop a customised solution that met DFAT’s unique requirements and delivered value for money,” said Cris Nicolli, CEO, Business Solutions Group, UXC.
According to Nicolli, the DFAT win is testament to the success of UXC’s business model where business units with specialist experience collaborate to provide clients with independent advice and the best solution, regardless of vendor.
“It was also important to recognise the decision by DFAT to engage UXC was further proof of an Australian Company being able to offer leading solutions, and be rewarded for doing so. We are privileged to have DFAT have the faith in UXC to deliver this project. We are excited to be participating in such an important DFAT imitative and delivering this project” he said.
“UXC proved it had the skills, resources and focus to deliver a critical project that is core to DFAT’s operations,” he said.
The project kicks off immediately with staged deployment occurring throughout the next two years.