Trial complete, administrative cost savings demonstrated

Thanks to the successful conclusion of a pilot program studying the effect of tablet computers in government, all 650 members of British parliament (MP) will soon be receiving iPads. The move was previously revealed by an advisory committee to the House of Commons. The move is expected to cost between £260,000 ($420,300) and £429,000 ($693,500). Up to 70 MPs have already purchased iPads and listed them as expenses, passing the expense on to the taxpayers, but say the move saves money over printing and other antiquated workflows.

Every MP and his or her staff is entitled to three desktop computers, and two laptops in the service of the government. A trade-in of one of the allotted devices is expected from 300 of the 650 members not assigned to a select committee. The returned equipment is partially offsetting the iPad purchase by updating obsolete equipment in use by non-elected staffers, reducing the need for purchases of new equipment to the tune of £50,000 ($80,820). Annual miscellaneous administrative costs have been reduced by iPad users during a recently-concluded limited trial.

Specific rollout timetables have not been announced. [via Tech Week Europe]

By Electronista Staff

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