Decision

Procurement of client (end-user device) firewall licensing to continue to protect individual devices as well as routed access for some services.

Reasons for the decision

The Council's client (end-user device) firewall licensing expires on 15 July 2026. The Council operates client firewalls to both protect individual devices and provide routed access to some services. This provides a critical level of security protection for the Council's network and data. Replacement licensing was therefore considered necessary at this time.

Alternative options considered

Two quotes were sought from organisations that had shown an interest in supplying our firewall hardware, and that have previously provided firewall licensing to the Council. As the licensing was identical, the lowest priced option was chosen.