Two consortiums are through to the final selection stage for the government portal contract.

A short list of six candidates were chosen from the original 15 proposals, and these contenders have now been narrowed down to a final two: Sbi, working with Plumtree international consultants; and Microsoft Consulting, working with three local partners, ICS, Logic Communications and... Sbi.

For local company, Sbi, headed by Jamie Thain, it's a "win win" situation. They have a role in both of the final two proposals.

Sbi business development manager, Sarah Schurman said the company was very pleased to be included in the final shortlist.

"In proposing the Plumtree portal environment, along with Quo Vadis security analysis and Sbi technical services, we are offering a comprehensive solution tailored to Government's E-business goals.

Sbi is in an unique position as we are the Microsoft Gold Certified Enterprise Partner in Bermuda and in this capacity we are also working with Microsoft."

Both international and local technology companies were involved in a "beauty parade" for the e-commerce ministry in an attempt to win the lucrative contract. Phase I of the contract which involves consolidating all the different government web sites into one portal and planning phase II will be worth $750,000.

Asked whether it will be difficult to choose the final winner, Nigel Hickson, government e-commerce consultant, said: "It wasn't an easy decision to pick six, it was not easy to pick two and it will not be easy to pick one."

The two consortiums will now have to supply further details of their proposals and Mr. Hickson said that further questions and queries would be put to the participants. The government's e-commerce consultants will also take up references where the participants have built portals for other countries and companies.

Ms Schurmann said "We look forward to the remainder of the Portal selection process and we are confident that Government will select a portal that will be the best solution for the citizens of Bermuda."