§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what effect 3COM's announcement that they are to quit the high-end networking market will have on his Department's existing and planned computer systems. [R][117622]
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§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 4 April 2000]: This Department has purchased 3COM products through a procurement channel and uses major Service Providers for their day by day support. The Department has been advised that existing products will have at least two years' ongoing support and 3COM are looking to other third parties to supply for a further three years. The Department will work with existing and future direct service providers to manage this and to plan for alternative supply through initiatives already under way.