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UK Government CloudStore officially ‘open for business’

20th February 2012

It may have taken a week longer than originally predicted, but the UK Government has officially announced the suppliers awarded G-Cloud framework agreements. The announcement coincides with the launch of the Government CloudStore, which will be the go-to marketplace for public sector organisations looking to procure new IT solutions.

The G-Cloud framework will now house over 1700 cloud computing services from over 250 global suppliers, with a second round of bids due to take place in the spring expected to attract further solutions to the programme.

“The launch of CloudStore is an important milestone in the Government’s ICT strategy to deliver savings and an IT system fit for the 21st century,” said Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and figure behind yesterday’s launch.

“Simply stated, purchasing services from CloudStore will be quicker, easier, cheaper and more transparent for the public sector and suppliers alike.

“By creating a competitive marketplace, the G-Cloud framework will constantly encourage service providers to improve the quality and value of the solutions they offer, reducing the cost to taxpayers and suppliers. And it gives SME suppliers of niche products the same opportunities as bigger organisations supplying services.”

The new CloudStore website, although still “in pilot”, provides a detailed searchable database of services under the categories ‘infrastructure as a service’ (IaaS), ‘software as a service’ (SaaS), ‘platform as a service’ (PaaS) and ‘specialist cloud services’. Public sector departments will now be able to cross-reference the IT solutions they require based on variables outlined in the framework.

One UK-based SME supplier awarded a framework agreement under IaaS and PaaS categories was SkyScape. The hosting provider, previously featuring on Business Cloud News for going carbon neutral in an attempt to enhance its G-Cloud bid late last year, will now provide more than 15 services to the framework, at differing impact levels, including a cloud backup tool and storage provision.

“The G-Cloud framework represents a significant step change in the delivery of IT infrastructure and services," said Phil Dawson, the company’s CEO, upon announcing his company’s involvement.

"The UK Government has stated its intention to engage with the private sector in an entirely different way, on a different level and with transformational effect. Clearly the G-Cloud initiative is one part of this reform and Skyscape is genuinely proud to be part of the new, agile, best of breed G-Cloud program."

Due to the per-unit pricing model of many of the services, Government departments will now hope to save considerable costs on future IT provision through the new framework, with contracts being issued to a maximum of 12 months in length.

“The Public Sector will benefit immediately from this framework allowing them to adopt a range of Cloud services at reduced costs and improved agility without compromising performance or security,” said Chris Chant, G-Cloud Programme Director, in response to Francis Maude’s announcement.

“Costs that were previously averaging between £900 to £1500 per server per month, will be reduced to £150 or lower.”

The CloudStore will now await user feedback before moving beyond its pilot stage. The site was built via Windows Azure by UK SME cloud provider SolidSoft, who were also offered 4 G-Cloud service agreements, including Windows Azure Application Development – the CloudStore interface no doubt offering a useful advert for the company.

Francis Maude’s G-Cloud announcement formed part of an overall announcement related to the Cabinet Office’s anticipation to make £5bn in cash savings in 2012 – of which £140m is expected to come from the new ICT initiative.

To assess the CloudStore for yourself, visit: www.govstore.net

Tags: public sector | infrastructure as a service | software as a service