N3, the NHS’ ‘New National Network’ which is currently run by BT, has officially become part of the Public Services Network (PSN). N3 has been awarded PSN certification for its Direct Network Service Provider (DNSP) connectivity service, linking it with the wider PSN via the Government Conveyance Network. PSN is the new ‘network of networks’ designed to connect UK public sector organisations securely so the development is a step towards enabling N3’s 1.3m users to more easily collaborate and share information with other organisations such as local authorities and social care providers.
Cultural and political hurdles, and concerns about the security of patient data on a shared network, have made the NHS reluctant to wholeheartedly embrace PSN in the past (see The Public Services Network: foundation for change in public sector IT? if you’re a PublicSectorViews subscriber). Making N3 a DNSP helps to overcome some of these issues but it is only the first step on the road to true PSN. The next step is likely to come with the re-procurement of N3. BT’s contract extension comes to an end in April 2014, and the replacement is likely to be procured through the PSN frameworks. BT can expect the deal to be fiercely competed as the NHS looks to get the best possible deal and rivals such as CWW (Vodafone), Level 3 and Virgin Media Business see a chance to take significant market share.
