Rehosting Partner for Stanage Data Centre

Concepts

• data storage
• sheffield
• stanage data centre
• a suitable data centre partner
• secure, scalable data storage
• rehosting partner
• rehosting
• stanage
• computer facilities management
• hosting services

Location

North West England:

Description

As a result of growing demand for data storage to support existing and new research projects, the University has concluded an exercise to identify a suitable data centre partner to provide reliable hosting services and expanded hosting capacity. This requirement was fulfilled under the NHSSBS Digital Workplace Solutions Framework Agreement.

Total Quantity or Scope

The University has identified a supplier for the provision of secure, scalable data storage and hosting services as well as the ability to provide ad hoc services as needed. The selected supplier was awarded through the NHSSBS Digital Workplace Services Framework Agreement.

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 72317000 - Data storage services
• 72514000 - Computer facilities management services

Legal Justification

The decision to award this contract is lawful as it was carried out through the NHS SBS Digital Workplace Framework an established, fully PCR-compliant route. This framework permits direct awards to approved suppliers, and Softcat was selected from the list of awarded suppliers. Using this framework allowed us to act quickly and efficiently, without the delays and risks associated with running a full open tender. Given the scale and urgency of the project, as well as the pre-existing relationship with both Softcat and the incumbent hosting provider, this route ensured best value and full legal compliance. Maintaining continuity with our existing supplier was critical. The data centre supports vital research infrastructure, and any disruption could have seriously impacted ongoing academic and critical research activities. Moving to a new provider would have meant relocating sensitive equipment, a process made even more challenging by the current state of the ageing cabling, which poses risks of downtime or failure during a move. The incumbent supplier not only offered continuity and familiarity but also responded to our new requirement for expanded hosting capacity by offering additional space within the data centre. This, along with favourable discounted rates and an aligned approach to the university's long-term objectives, made staying with the current supplier the most practical and value-driven choice.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** This is an estimated value over the duration of the contract. Due to the nature of the services, the actual spend over this period could be either lower or higher than this.