Applications Register
Benefits of the Applications Register
This online service offers a single source of information about hardware, software, IT and consultancy services used by local public service organisations across the UK.
The information about products and services, and their suppliers, is provided by local authorities, police and fire services, housing providers, and third sector organisations.
In a new development available from September 2012, suppliers may also add or amend information about their company, products and services.
The Register includes information about the performance of suppliers' products and services, which are rated the by organisations that use them according to the following criteria:
- Functionality
- Reliability
- Integration services
- Technical support
- After-sales
- Communication
Benefits for suppliers
Subscribing to the Applications Register enables suppliers to find out what customers think of their products - and their competitors' products.
It also provides a quick and cost-effective way to research competitors, their product range, market penetration and likely future growth.
In addition, there is a wide range of information on the Register about customers and prospects, including what they are buying, who from, the size of their budgets and when products are due for renewal.
With effect from September 2012, subscribers to the Register may add or update information about their products, services, or company. Information provided will be published once verified by the public service customers of suppliers.
These benefits are available even to suppliers whose products do not appear in the register yet.
Whatever a supplier's position in the marketplace, subscribing to the Applications Register enables management of the organisation and its products' positioning in this important and dynamic marketplace.
"Subscribing to the register provides access to a wealth of information about your customers, prospects and competitors. It also allows you to find out what buyers think of your products and the way you support them."
David Bryant, Managing Director, Hytec / Chair, Socitm Commercial Board
Organisations that supply products and services can gain access to information on the register by paying a subscription, which also entitles them to add information to their organisation profile (further details below).
Benefits for public service organisations
Organisations that keep their records updated, gain access free of charge to the information uploaded by other users to the Applications Register.
This helps identify how well different products and suppliers perform and how they compare with competitive offerings. Buyers can find out easily which products are most used and best regarded within local authorities and other public services.
The register can also help identify other public service organisations that might be interested in joint procurements, shared services and similar arrangements.
Finally, by publishing information about products and services in use, and plans for replacing them, organisations can help reduce escalating numbers of Freedom of Information (Fol) requests being made by suppliers around these issues.
How to subscribe
Supplier organisations can subscribe at one of two levels:
Tier 1 - Subscribers can access information about buyers' product usage, satisfaction and renewal dates, as well as information about their ICT budgets and breakdown, IT staff employed, and membership of groups and partnerships. Access to the data also enables checking the accuracy of any information that customers have placed on the register about the organisation and its products. They can also link from their listing to their website and add a company logo, address, telephone and other contact details.
Tier 2 - Subscribers get all of the above benefits, as well as the opportunity to add to their listing - relevant links, case studies, descriptions of products not on the register and news feeds from the organisation's website
| Tier 1 |
£795 per year |
|---|---|
| Tier 2 |
£1,295 per year |
Subscribing at tier 1 or 2 entitles supplier organisations to submit changes and additions to information about their products and services on the Register.
Local public service and third sector organisations that provide corporate and product information to the register and keep it updated, can access the register free of charge.
Local public service and third sector organisations who want to access the register, but don't want to provide product information, can do so but there is a charge of up to £445 per annum, depending on status.
New users should contact applicationsregister@socitm.net or call the Socitm office (01604 497584) for a user name and password.
Subscribe to the Applications Register
Visit the Applications Register website