A new tender published by the State IT Agency (SITA) is anticipated to be worth “at least several billion rand”, according to industry players.
The software services tender has been split into four modules: core financial system, inventory management system, payroll system, and data exchange system. Each of these modules requires the provision of project management services; system development and lead site configuration services; data migration toolset development services; data migration support services; test support services; a five-year support and maintenance contract; and a skills transfer programme.
These modules are to be added to the procurement management and HR modules that were awarded in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
ICT Works, a small, black-empowered ICT consultancy, claimed the procurement management module for a cost of R517 million. The HR module, believed to be valued at R800 million, was taken by a consortium led by SAP SA and includes Gijima, Epi-Use and IBM.
Industry players expect a large showing when SITA hosts a compulsory briefing session on the new tender later this week.
One executive, who asked not to be named, says winning one or more of the modules would have a significant impact on a company. “It would certainly go a long way towards countering the effects of the economic crisis. For some businesses it may even be a question of survival.”
SITA was not available for comment.
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