Appian platform licensing – CMS 2025

Concepts

• information technology
• appian platform licensing
• appian licensing
• ongoing licensing
• licensing
• appian
• appian licences
• cms
• the appian software platform
• the appian platform

Location

London

Description

Renewal of an existing contract with Appian for the provision of the Appian software platform upon which our Case management system is built.

Total Quantity or Scope

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has made a strategic investment in the development of its Case Management System (CMS) using the Appian platform. To continue leveraging the benefits of this investment and maximise the return on investment it is essential to maintain access to the Appian software through ongoing licensing. Appian licences are available directly from Appian or through a limited number of partners, with licencing typically bundled with development services. The IOPC has chosen to separate licensing from development to retain flexibility and avoid vendor lock-in. There is an absence of competition offering Appian licensing independently of development services and able to offer a continuation of the same licensing we currently benefit from.

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) proposes a direct award for the renewal of Appian platform licences. This approach is based on a combination of strategic, operational, and commercial considerations that support continuity, value for money, and risk mitigation. 1. Maximising Return on Investment The IOPC has invested significantly in the development of its Case Management System (CMS) on the Appian platform. Continuing with Appian licensing ensures the organisation can fully leverage this investment, avoiding the disruption, cost, and risk associated with migrating to an alternative platform. 2. Direct Relationship with Appian The IOPC has maintained a strong and effective direct relationship with Appian over the past four years. This relationship enables direct engagement for platform and licensing queries, ensuring timely and accurate support. It is unclear whether the same level of responsiveness and direct access would be preserved if licences were procured through a third-party reseller, potentially introducing delays or communication barriers. 3. Separation of Build and Platform Contracts Suppliers that build on the Appian platform typically bundle licensing and development services into a single contract. The IOPC has deliberately avoided this model to reduce dependency on a single supplier. By separating the licensing and build contracts, the IOPC retains the flexibility to change development partners without impacting the licensing arrangement. This approach has proven effective in reducing organisational risk and remains a key principle in the ongoing procurement strategy. 4. Limited Supplier Competition Limits the potential for meaningful competition in the licensing-only market, making a direct award the most practical and commercially sound option. 5. Continuation of Current Contract Terms Appian will continue to offer the existing licensing model. This model is particularly advantageous during periods of organisational growth, as it provides predictable costs and scalability. 6. Operational Continuity Appian underpins critical operational services within the IOPC. Procuring licences directly from the platform vendor ensures continuity of service, avoids compatibility issues, and maintains compliance with existing configurations and support arrangements. 7. Strategic Procurement and Commercial Control Separating the licensing and development contracts allows the IOPC to negotiate each element independently, ensuring better commercial control, transparency, and value for money.