Frameworks and big projects

[ITGuyNW]

Hi all

 

Looking at renewing our core and edge switches. I've signed up for CCS and I can view the emarketplace. Has anyone had any experience of this process or used RM6116? I've only ever approached companies directly before.

[CrootUK]

We used these for our most recent core/edge replacements.

 

https://www.everythingict.org

[TheRobins]

Morning,

 

To be honest, there isnt much difference in approaching your usual supplier. I tend to find it involves a little more paperwork, however this is very detailed as they have to follow set guidelines of the project. Depending on the value and complexity of your environment it may be more cost effective to go direct. However using the framework gives many protections. If you are an academy it will also make your business manager smile during their next audit

 

Its a worthwhile experiment in my experience to go for a couple of framework providers and then your usual supplier direct and then compare their offers. Also look at other frameworks out there. I used EverythingICT for my Broadband three years ago and it was a great experience with them. I did feel however at the start of the process they knew straight away which company they would be recommending, not saying its a bad thing as we got very good value and a decent service but worth watching.

[Net-Ctrl]

We are part of EITC partner community. They were one of the two frameworks recommended by the DfE with the Connect-the-Classroom scheme. We have recommended clients to use it and they've all been positive about their experience. They can support bids with financing and will build out bid documents. They can go out to their supplier base that meets your requirements, or you can request specific suppliers to be part of the bid and they will act on your behalf. If you have supplier you previously worked with you can ask if they're on the framework, and if not, they can approach them about joining.

 

Our approval process was thorough - we had to submit a large bid around our approach, pricing, finances etc. They had to speak to numerous reference sites about their experience with us.

 

Cath Connolly is a direct point of contact if you wanted to discuss your options in more detail or how they could support you - [email protected]