Microsoft deal to help public sector’s digital transformation

Cyprus has signed an Enterprise Agreement with tech giant Microsoft to enhance the island’s digital transformation and improve the public sector’s efficiency.

The €8 million agreement was signed by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, and involves the purchase of Microsoft 365 software licenses for 10,000 users. It also includes a comprehensive suite of modern tools that support a vast array of tasks and processes.

The agreement gives access to licences for email services, secure collaboration, and document handling tools, along with cloud computing services, project management tools, reports, and the development of a custom user interface for simplified work item management.

In addition to the above licences, specialised Microsoft personnel will provide support services as well as specific Microsoft contractor/certified partner implementation services. Executive training on the optimal use of these tools are also included to help upgrade the digital skills of public sector officials.

This agreement represents a groundbreaking move for the Cyprus Government, marking its first foray into a strategic agreement of this magnitude, with wide-ranging implications for improving public sector operations. It also promises to play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of a flexible work framework in the public sector, for which the utilisation of collaboration tools is essential.

According to Deputy Minister Nikodemos Damianou, the signing of this agreement signifies the beginning of an expansive cooperation with Microsoft, poised to make a transformative contribution towards realising Cyprus’ strategic objectives.

At the core of the government’s governance agenda is the vision of creating a modern, digital state that efficiently serves its citizens and businesses. “The private sector is our main partner in this effort,” Damianou said.

From the perspective of Microsoft, the Managing Director for Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, Yanna Andronopoulou, said the agreement was a vital step towards Cyprus’s digital future as  it aims at boosting public sector efficiency and enhancing citizen services.

“It represents our commitment to significantly contribute to the establishment of an even more modern and efficient state for all,” she said.