UK Border Agency to "shake up" immigration with new IT

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has signed a £3m, three-year deal with IBM to help with the design and integration of a new IT system to support work around immigration.

IBM will act as strategic systems integration partner for the Immigration Case Work (ICW) programme, providing consulting services for the design of the system and helping with its implementation.

The ICW programme is intended to support the visa application process and, according to the border agency, is a key element in streamlining the immigration process as well as making "substantial improvements" to the organisation's IT.

The deal includes an optional four-year extension, subject to performance.

Matthew Coats, head of immigration at the UKBA, said the ICW programme is a major element in the "biggest shake up of the immigration system for a generation".

A UKBA spokeswoman told silicon.com: "It is hoped the project will lead to better quality decisions in immigration cases and ultimately a better service to the customer."

She added that IBM beat off competition from CSC, EDS, Fujitsu Alliance and Thales.