28.02.12
PSN drives efficiency but lacks awareness
The Public Services Network (PSN) is vital to the public sector efficiency drive, but there is still a lack of clarity on where some organisations stand in relation to its adoption, new research suggests.
BT conducted a survey of 1,300 public servants from a range of sectors to investigate attitudes to PSN. Results showed there was a great deal of optimism around the initiative, with 69% regarding PSN as important or very important to their organisation’s efficiency programme.
Additionally, PSN was believed to have the capability to drive cost savings through economies of scale and could deliver greater connectivity between public bodies.
However, a number of obstacles were identified, including the need for capital investment and compatibility with existing systems. There was also some confusion about how their organisation was adopting PSN. Levels of awareness were considerably lower for non-IT public servants, where 57% stated they had never heard of PSN.
Neil Rogers, president of Global Government at BT Global Services, said: “PSN is a unique opportunity to transform the way the public sector works, making it easy for organisations to save money, simplify and share services.
“By making it easier for public sector organisations to buy and connect ICT networks and services, PSN will create opportunities that haven’t existed before. The Government estimates that by 2014,Britain’s public sector could be saving £130m or more a year.
“We’re committed to helping central government, defence, health, blue light and local government customers prepare for PSN and the transformational benefits it will enable.”
For more information, visit www.bt.com/PSN
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