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Canada’s Government Invests in Data and AI Modernization with SAS

In a significant move towards digital transformation, the Government of Canada has announced a groundbreaking $134 million CDN contract with SAS, a global leader in analytics, for a comprehensive modernization of its data and artificial intelligence strategies. This seven-year agreement aims to serve 26 participating departments and agencies, integrating SAS® Viya® as the primary analytical solution across federal operations.

The new Enterprise Licensing Agreement (ELA) is set to drastically simplify current systems by consolidating over 100 individual contracts into a single framework. This initiative is aimed at reducing complexities for public servants and establishing a unified data strategy that enhances both efficiency and effectiveness within government agencies.

Benefits of the Agreement

Riad Gydien, the Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at SAS, emphasized the immense potential of a streamlined data and AI strategy, highlighting that it would allow government bodies to align their digital strategies with Canada’s ambitious Digital Ambition plan. The actual benefits that this move brings to the table include:

1. Simplified Management: IT teams will now find it easier to manage software compliance by using a single agreement for licensing. This measure not only streamlines the renewal and usage tracking processes but also aligns well with budget management practices across departments.

2. Standardized Access: With an ELA in place, all federal employees will have uniform access to the necessary software tools. This prevents complications arising from managing numerous licenses and ensures that every employee is equipped adequately.

3. Modernization of Legacy Systems: Many outdated technologies currently used by the government will be modernized, enabling a more flexible computing infrastructure. This advance will help reduce the technical debt derived from old software and systems.

4. Cost Savings: Consolidating licenses under one agreement often leads to significant cost reductions through volume discounts, making it more economical than purchasing individual licenses for separate users or departments.

5. Enhanced Support and Services: The agreement will also provide additional support and training, resources that are often not available with individual licenses, enriching overall user experience and capability.

With these advancements, the Canadian government aims to utilize data analytics in a more effective manner to better serve its citizens. The emphasis on a unified data strategy also reflects a shift away from the siloed approach, which has often led to inconsistent data and inefficiencies in service delivery.

The Path Forward

The integration of SAS Viya is a cornerstone for the Government of Canada's Digital Ambition initiative—a comprehensive framework intended to modernize government services and improve citizen engagement through technology. By adopting a cohesive approach towards data and analytics, the government is laying the groundwork for an era of data-driven decision making.

As SAS continues to empower customers worldwide through innovative analytics and services, Canada’s federal departments stand to benefit significantly from an empowered data ecosystem that prioritizes efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and coherent service delivery. With the contract officially signed, this initiative marks the beginning of a transformative journey for government operations in the digital age.

For more information about SAS and its solutions, please visit SAS Canada.