With a new IDMS on the way, the NBA required a refresh of its IT infrastructure, for which it released a predefined "shopping list" in the form of a tender earlier this month.

The NBA's tender includes 60 new PCs, 10 new servers, a remote access solution, a new SOE, Windows Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005, and VOIP infrastructure to enable unified messaging.

Also sought is a more rational telecommunications system which at present spans a number of different providers. VOIP will also make the authority's voice communications more portable as its lease is due to expire in two years.

The NBA's IT and business services manager, Anthony Szell, said this phase in IT development is also aimed at spanning three years, with a specific focus on migrating off spreadsheets onto an proper integrated, online business application and to allow for further extensive, modular, expansion of capability.

"Blood products cost up to A$600 million (US$470.5 million) a year and our supply planning for these must have a stable and robust system," Szell said.