In order to take account of the increasing use of Apple devices in the research community, the GWDG has taken on the task of tendering a new Apple framework agreement for scientific institutions. For all institutions that have declared their participation, this will seamlessly follow the current Apple framework agreement, which expires on March 31, 2024.

After all the necessary deadlines had expired, the contract was again awarded to Cancom, which submitted the most cost-effective bid.

The framework agreement involves 53 scientific institutions and includes the purchase of Apple hardware as well as optional maintenance and first level support.

In addition, credit for the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for apps can be purchased on request and it will also be possible to book Automated Device Enrolment (ADE) for use with the MDM solution deployed in the organization via the web shop provided by Cancom.

As part of the optional maintenance extension, Apple Care for Enterprise has also been added to the new framework agreement as an option for the devices purchased. Apple Care for Enterprise not only includes worldwide on-site hardware support, but also a support number that can be contacted for all Apple hardware and software-related problems, thus also relieving the burden on support staff at the institutions.

The framework agreement has an initial term of two years and can be extended by mutual agreement for one year at a time until March 31, 2028.

Further information on the Apple framework agreement can be found here.