Microsoft beats off rivals for NSW Education deal

Microsoft Australia said it had signed a renewed three-year enterprise and services agreement with the NSW DET after 15 months of negotiations during which the department conducted "extensive research into alternative commercial and open source options".

Microsoft said the move would ensure consistency of software applications at NSW DET sites throughout the state. The deal encompasses software and services for 163,000 desktops and 2,300 servers.

The agreement is a continuation of existing software and servicing arrangements with NSW DET.

Wayne Houston, deputy chief information officer NSW DET, said "The agreement will benefit students, teachers and department staff at schools, TAFE institutes and offices and reflects our commitment to investing in the latest software and IT services to support public education and training."

The agreement also covers a 'work at home' usage rights for all department staff which will allow them to install Microsoft software and training materials on a home computer.