LCD in Libra rethink

IT INFRASTRUCTURE: deal to complete project by 2004

The Lord Chancellor's Department (LCD) has announced that a deal will soon be struck to complete the Libra project by the end of 2004 - only nine months later than originally predicted.

The troubled project, which aims to provide a modern IT infrastructure and a standard software application to magistrates' courts throughout the country, will now be completed by two separate suppliers after the renegotiation of contracts.

There had been speculation that it would be ditched altogether.

Fujitsu, the original suppliers under the 1998 contract, will focus solely on delivering an IT infrastructure and secure network link between courts by early 2003, while a new supplier will soon be signed up to deliver software for case management and administration.

LCD minister Yvette Cooper said in a written Parliamentary answer: 'Assessments show that robust, tried and tested software is now available in the marketplace, which could meet requirements at a lower cost than that on offer from Fujitsu.

Studies indicate that the services can be delivered by the end of 2004 - a delay of nine months on the original contract - and at a price that will provide value for money.'

An LCD spokesman added: 'Technology has moved on a great deal in the past four years and we can now get ready-made software, instead of having to implement a bespoke system.

We shall be announcing the new software supplier fairly shortly once the procurement process is complete and are very confident of matching our 2004 deadline.'

Under the new contractual arrangements Fujitsu will continue to provide its services and support until March 2007 for 232 million, as opposed to the previous cost of 319 million for delivery until 2013.

So far, Fujitsu has completed work in 75% of magistrates' courts in England and Wales.

Andrew Towler