Providers of managed service communications, Kcom, just announced its newfound position in engineering East Midlands Public Services Network (emPSN) infrastructure. Along with cutting costs and implementing high capacity broadband networks for public services, East Midlands PSN will provide a platform for developing a regional marketplace and breaking barriers to shared working.

“Kcom's track record in PSN implementation as well as our previous work in establishing the current embc network meant that we were confident in their ability to provide a first class PSN implementation which all Public Sector bodies in the East Midlands will be able to take advantage of,” said emPSN Managing Director, Mike Kendall. “We undertook an extensive procurement process and Kcom's proposal, expertise and commercial arrangements were the most compelling,” he added.

Kcom has also been awarded positions on the emPSN Framework Agreement, which will allow for provision of Access Services and the supply thereof. Embc schools will be among the top of emPSN’s list in regards to making a successful transition to the new framework, though it’s equally important that a wider selection of Public Sector needs be addressed as well.

Through Kcom, emPSN pledges to provide end users with the opportunity to procure access services and applications. Furthermore, emPSN will ensure ease and stability in deployment of web-based access services such as email, filtering, web hosting, and education portal in public schools.

With the current embc contract set to expire in the latter half of October 2012, the emPSN saw an opportunity to revamp its framework with an up to date, cutting-edge PSN solution. Synetrix – Capita, the region’s primary contractor at the moment, no longer seems to meet East Midland’s requirements. After a well strung out, competitive dialogue between a number of different firms, Kcom ultimately proved to be the best fit.

Director of Public Sector & Public Services Networks at Kcom, Afshin Attari announced, “The East Midlands PSN project is a great example of the pragmatism that we're seeing currently in the Public Sector. Creating a PSN instead of simply renewing existing single purpose contracts is a fantastic way of enabling more shared services across the whole public sector.”