NESA uses a number of off-the shelf software products, which lend themselves to the SaaS model, such as desktop software, email, ERP systems, Data Analytics, Portal development tools etc. NESA contracted BSR Solutions to review its legacy applications and where possible, recommend replacement by a SaaS offering. The project phases were:
1: Review existing software and identify those that lends itself to SaaS “as is” or needs replacement in the process of moving to SaaS. This included a review of existing solutions in NSW and other jurisdictions.
2: Design the new software architecture ensuring that it aligns with whole of government frameworks, policies and guidelines such as Information Management Framework, Digital Information Security Policy, PPIPA, Data and Information Custodianship Policy, Corporate Shared Services Reform Program and the potential for using Service NSW as a delivery channel for new services.
3: Implement the new software architecture based on the SaaS model. This was categorised by leveraging of existing solutions used by other agencies, new solutions not used by other agencies but available in the GovDC marketplace, and replacement of legacy software to an existing or new solution in the GovDC marketplace.
4: Implement the data and information sharing opportunities from Phase 2.
The SaaS business case covered the four phases and was supported by a Software Architecture Blueprint. The result was a positive financial outcome (IRR and NPV) compared with business as usual and also provided a reduction in overall portfolio risk.