"This is a highly important agreement for Steria and allows us to continue our strategic partnership with the Norwegian Armed Forces. Winning such a demanding contract holds a great deal of prestige," says Trygve Solem, Director of Business Development at Steria Norway.

The framework agreement involves services to further develop the secure ICT platforms being used by the Armed Forces. This involves securing solutions that are as cost-effective as possible that will meet the Armed Force's requirements relating to availability, functionality and security.

The framework agreement is valid for two years, with the option to extend the contract for up to another two years, and entails further development of the Armed Forces' secure ICT platforms. Steria will help the Armed Forces with secure operational environments on all grading levels, from operative systems and security functionality to ordinary office support applications.

"We will also be delivering development services in IP and Ethernet based networks and platform-associated core services such as search, voice, portal services and training services," adds Solem Trygve.

Steria won the framework agreement in a tender including several of Norway's major IT consultancy companies as competitors. Price and quality were prioritised equally in the Armed Forces' evaluation of the tenders received.