A Perspective by Fieldfisher - Injecting Life Back Into SIAM – Lessons Learnt and a New Model for Success

New Fieldfisher paper presenting the lessons from earlier SIAM implementations and challenges best practice thinking to launch a new, improved version of SIAM: SIAM 2.0

The private and public sectors have been quick to embrace the service integration and management model (SIAM) with its worthy aim of providing much needed integration to any multi-sourced environment. But SIAM has had a difficult start with many commentators publicly declaring that it is dead in the water. This paper presents the lessons from earlier SIAM implementations and challenges best practice thinking to launch a new, improved version of SIAM: SIAM 2.0.

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Why SIAM 1.0 remains unproven

Most SIAM implementations are currently going through transition, and whilst we can identify challenges along the way and some signs of success, it is too early to predict how they will fall. There is, however, a track record of problems in the public sector.

The Office of National Statistics' SIAM procurement ‘did not produce anticipated benefits’ and has been cancelled.  The Ministry of Justice’s SIAM programme was beset with delays. 

Robert Shooter, Head of Technology, Outsourcing and Privacy and co-author of the paper, comments:

"We were recently asked whether we were aware of any successful SIAM implementations. This is a difficult question. Transport for London, the FCO, the Metropolitan Police, the Environment Agency, the Ministry of Defence,  Enfield Council, the Skills Funding Agency and others are all in the process of procuring or implementing SIAM /service tower models. Some of these will undoubtedly be successful.  But there are well documented instances where the original SIAM hasn't worked for a number of reasons, of which we have outlined in the paper. There is definitely a way forward with SIAM 2.0."

SIAM 2.0

SIAM 2.0 is a new improved version of SIAM that addresses some of the original failings and pitfalls.

SIAM 2.0 has a number of features:

1. Thorough due diligence on the SIAM provider
2. An orderly approach to implementation
3. A road map
4. Roles and responsibilities that are clearly identified
5. Retained organisation
6. SIAM charges
7. A new approach to Collaboration
8. Transparency
9. Governance and dispute resolution
10. Exit

Andrew Cleminson, Sales Director - A2B Excellence Ltd, said:

"Clients are always searching for value but will only find it by taking a thoughtful, balanced and well prepared approach to sourcing. Savings can be realised, but sometimes come with risk. Where there is risk, it has to be well managed to minimise its impact. SIAM 2.0 offers a route map to success and is a welcome addition to current thinking on how to procure IT services in a cost effective, efficient and productive manner."

James Buckingham, Partner and co-author of the paper, adds:

"Whilst acknowledging some success stories, SIAM has had a difficult start. In the excitement of trying something new, we have noticed that not all businesses have spent sufficient time on the business case or on identification, allocation and management of the risks associated with the transition to a multi-sourced supply chain. SIAM 2.0 could be the best way forward."

Fieldfisher's top-ranked Technology, Outsourcing & Privacy Group has been leading the way for well over a decade. We have one of the largest teams of lawyers in the field and regularly support the world's biggest organisations, Central Government and some of Europe's most exciting growth companies. We have class-leading expertise in privacy, data security, digital media, big data, the cloud, mobile payments and mobile apps. We're always looking to stay one step ahead.

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