Decision details

The services are for the renewal of Palo Alto firewall licenses, which provide vital network services to the council. These services are essential to maintain a secure and resilient IT estate. The contract term reflects the evolving landscape of the council’s IT network, which is currently being upgraded as part of its Digital Transformation Programme. Renewing these licenses will provide additional time needed to replace the existing firewalls, ensuring continuous protection and network stability.

To award a contract necessary to renew Palo Alto Licences

Alternative option is not to renew the licences – but this would result in a loss of critical functionality stopping access to Line of Business systems, causing a major, critical impact to services council-wide. It would also remove our ability to protect the network against cyber security threats and provide effective safeguarding for children and young people to whom we provide internet services.